Drone box

ABSTRACT

The application provides a storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a method of operating a storage unit for a UAV. The storage unit can comprise a container for enclosing the UAV, and a moveable UAV landing platform, the UAV landing platform providing a landing position and a storing position, wherein, in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned for the UAV to land and to take-off, and in the storing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned inside the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.15/752,901, filed on Feb. 15, 2018, which is a national stage entry ofPCT Application. No. PCT/IB2016/054916, filed Aug. 17, 2016, whichclaims the benefit of Singapore Patent No. 10201506475R, filed Aug. 17,2015, PCT Application No. PCT/IB2016/050783, filed Feb. 15, 2016, andPCT Application No. PCT/IB2016/052624, filed May 9, 2016, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The application relates to an enclosure apparatus for an Unmanned AerialVehicle (UAV).

SUMMARY

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) refers to an aircraft without a humanpilot aboard. The UAV is also called a drone. The UAV can have anonboard computer for controlling its flight. Alternatively, a pilot, whois placed on the ground or in another vehicle, can remotely control theflight of the UAV. The UAV is often used in situations where mannedflight is considered too risky or difficult.

It is an object of this application to provide an improved enclosureapparatus for an Umanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Umanned AerialVehicle is also called in an Unmanned Air Vehicle.

Disclosed is a storage unit comprising a container for enclosing theUAV, and a moveable UAV landing platform, the UAV landing platformproviding a landing position and a storing position, wherein, in thelanding position, the UAV landing platform is positioned for the UAV toland and to take-off, and in the storing position, the UAV landingplatform is positioned inside the container.

Also disclosed is a method of operating a storage unit for an UnmannedAir Vehicle (UAV), the method comprising providing the storage unitcomprising a container for enclosing the UAV and a movable UAV landingplatform; orienting the UAV landing platform in a landing position;landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform; and orienting the UAVlanding platform in a storing position, wherein, in the storingposition, the UAV and the UAV landing platform are positioned inside thecontainer.

The application provides an improved protection storage device tocontain a stationary UAV. The storage device is also designed to chargeelectrically a battery of the UAV, to gather data about environment ofthe UAV using sensors, and to serve as a data communications hub.

The device can be powered by an electric power supply grid, or bybatteries, which are electrically charged using solar cells, windgenerators, stand-alone petrol, diesel, natural gas, bio-mass fueledgen-sets, and/or fuel cells. The electric power supply grid acts achannel to transmit electricity from an electric power plant.

The application also provides an improved air vehicle module with anelectrical utility cable.

This air vehicle module includes an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), a UAVstorage unit, a UAV tethering assembly, and a controller.

The UAV tethering assembly is attached to the UAV and to the storageunit for transferring electrical energy from the storage unit to theUAV.

When the UAV is not in use, it is placed in the UAV storage unit forprotecting the UAV against the surrounding weather and against animalsor unauthorized persons from accessing the UAV.

The UAV acts as an aircraft without a human pilot being located aboardthe UAV. The UAV can be guided or be directed remotely by a user.Alternatively, the UAV can be guided by a computer, which is providedonboard the UAV.

The controller acts to manage or direct parts of the air vehicle module.

In detail, the storage unit includes a container and a storage unitelectrical power source. The container is used for receiving and storingthe UAV in order to protect the UAV. The storage unit electrical powersource can then electrically charge the electrical power source of theUAV. In other words, the storage unit electrical power source provideselectrical energy to the electrical power source of the UAV.

Referring to the tethering assembly, it includes a spool with a spoolrotational sensor, a spool motor, and an electrical utility cable with acable force sensor.

The electrical utility cable includes a power supply electrical wirebeing electrically connected to the storage unit electrical power sourceand to the air vehicle electrical power source in order to transferelectrical energy from the storage unit electrical power source to theair vehicle electrical power source.

The spool motor can selectively rotate the spool in one direction inorder to unwind a part of the electrical utility cable around the spool.In other words, the rotation causes a part of the electrical utilitycable to be released from the spool.

The spool rotational sensor measures the number of rotation of the spooland it sends out the rotational data of the spool to the controller.

The UAV includes one or more propellers and an air vehicle electricalpower source. The air vehicle electrical power source provideselectrical energy to the propellers. The energized propellers then movethe UAV vertically and/or horizontally.

The UAV is often provided with one or more rotary wings, although it canalso be provided with one or more fixed wings or with one or more hybridwings. The hybrid wings comprise both rotary and fixed wings.

The released cable allows the UAV to be placed within a predetermineddistance from the storage unit in which the predetermined distance isnot more than the length of the released cable.

The cable force sensor is attached to the UAV and it is adapted forbearing and supporting the weight of the released part of the electricalutility cable. The cable force sensor also measures a force or strainbeing exerted by the released part onto the cable force sensor. Thisforce includes the weight of the released part as well as any wind andair resistance force, which are exerted onto the released part.

The spool motor can also selectively rotate the spool in anotherdirection in order to wind a part of the electrical utility cable aroundthe spool. In other words, this rotation causes a part of the electricalutility cable to be wrapped around the spool. This rotation is used fortaking up a part of the electrical utility cable such that the releasedpart of the electrical utility cable is not too loose.

Referring to the controller, it is adapted for receiving the forcemeasurement from the cable force sensor and for receiving the spoolrotational data from the spool rotational sensor.

The controller then energizes the spool motor for rotating the spoolaccording to the received force measurement and to the received spoolrotational data such that the released part of the electrical utilitycable is essentially straight. In effect, the released part of theelectrical utility cable is only a bit loose.

The air vehicle module provided benefits.

The electrical utility cable advantageously allows the air vehicleelectrical power source to receive electrical energy from the storageunit electrical power source. Since the storage unit electrical powersource can store more electrical energy than the air vehicle electricalpower source, this means enables the UAV to carry a heavier load and/orto fly longer.

The tethering assembly also advantageously enables the released part ofthe electrical utility cable is essentially straight, just a bit loose.In other words, the released part is not too loose, thereby causing theUAV to bear excessive heavy weight of the released part. The releasedpart is just taut, without restricting the UAV for travelling itsdesired flight path.

The UAV storage unit can also include communication and coordinationunit for communicating with storage units of other air vehicle modulesand with other Unmanned Air Vehicles.

The container can include a movable cover, which can be opened forallowing the UAV to ingress into the container and to egress from thecontainer and be closed for protecting the UAV. The movable cover isoften provided in the form of a sliding door for easy implementation.

The movable cover can be adapted for rotating about a hinge. Snow, sand,rain, or dust can collect over the cover. The movable cover allows thesecontaminations to be removed when the cover opens.

The electrical utility cable can include a sensor electrical wire fortransferring the force measurement from the cable force sensor to thecontroller.

The electrical utility cable can include a layer of metal for enclosingand protecting the power supply electrical wire. The metal can includesteel or aluminum material.

The sensor electrical wire and the power supply electrical wire areoften enclosed in shielding tube for protecting these wires.

Alternatively, the UAV can include a wireless transmitter for sendingthe force measurement wirelessly from the cable force sensor to thecontroller.

The storage unit electrical power source can include a power inlet forreceiving electrical energy from a land vehicle power supply. A landvehicle is often used to transport the UAV storage unit according to amissile requirement of the UAV storage unit. The power supply of theland vehicle, which is readily available and which often provide a largeamount of electrical energy, can then provide electrical energy to thepower supply of the UAV storage unit.

The tethering assembly can include a bracket for supporting the spooland any part of the electrical utility cable that is wound around thespool. One or more bracket force sensors can be provided for connectingthe bracket to a support area of the UAV storage unit. The bracket forcesensors are adapted for providing a measurement of a force or strainbeing exerted by the bracket onto the support area.

The controller is then further adapted for energizing the spool motor torotate the spool according to the measurement from the bracket forcesensor of the tethering assembly.

The application also provides a further improved air vehicle module withan improved UAV guidance unit.

The air vehicle module includes an Unmanned Air Vehicle and a storageunit for protecting the UAV.

Referring to the storage unit, it includes a UAV container with amoveable landing platform and a landing beacon unit.

The beacon unit generates visible and/or invisible light rays thatallows the UAV to land accurately.

The UAV container is provided for receiving and storing the UAV.

The moveable landing platform can be placed in a landing position and ina storing position. The landing position is often provided above thestoring position.

In the landing position, the landing platform is placed at a positionthat allows the UAV to land and to take-off easily. The UAV usuallylands and takes off in the vertical direction. In the storing position,the landing platform with the UAV is positioned inside the container toallow enclosure of the UAV.

The landing beacon unit includes a visible light ray source and aninfrared light ray source. The visible light ray source provides atleast one visible light ray for indicating the location of the landingplatform. Similarly, the infrared light ray source provides at least oneinfrared light ray for indicating the location of the landing platform.

Referring to the UAV, it includes a visible light ray camera and aninfrared light ray camera.

The visible light ray camera is intended for receiving the visible lightray. The received visible light ray is used for guiding the UAV to thelanding platform. Similarly, the infrared light ray camera is intendedfor receiving the infrared light ray. The received infrared light ray isused for guiding the UAV to the landing platform.

The different types of light rays are used advantageously in differentsituations. In the event of rain, which can block the infrared lightrays and cause difficulty in detection of the infrared light rays, thevisible light rays are used for guiding the UAV to the landing platform.In the event of strong sunshine, which causes difficulty in detection ofthe visible lights, the infrared light rays are used for guiding the UAVto the landing platform.

The landing beacon unit often includes a visible light cover plate,which comprises opaque areas and transparent areas, for selectivelyblocking the visible light rays from the visible light ray source. Thisis done such that the visible light rays, which travel through thevisible light cover plate, form a first predetermined guidance pattern.The predetermined guidance pattern allows the visible light camera todetect easily the visible light rays.

Similarly, the landing beacon unit can also include an infrared coverplate, which comprises opaque areas and transparent areas, forselectively blocking the infrared light rays from the infrared light raysource. This is done such that the infrared light rays, which travelthrough the infrared light cover plate, form a second predeterminedguidance pattern. The predetermined guidance pattern allows the infraredlight camera to detect easily the infrared light rays.

The visible light ray source can be adapted to generate one or morelaser light rays with a visible light wavelength. The laser light rayshave essentially one wavelength. The laser visible light rays are alsocoherent in that they have essentially no phase shift with respect toeach other.

Likewise, the infrared light ray source is adapted to generate one ormore laser light rays with an infrared light wavelength.

The laser lights have an advantage in that they can be focused or beconcentrated easily on one area for easier penetration of haze.

The air vehicle module can also include communication and coordinationunit for communicating with storage units of other air vehicle modulesand with other Unmanned Air Vehicles.

The application also provides an improved air vehicle module with a UAValignment unit.

The application also provides an improved air vehicle module thatincludes an Unmanned Air Vehicle, and a storage unit.

The storage unit includes a container for storing the UAV and a moveablelanding platform, and a UAV alignment unit.

The moveable landing platform provides a landing position and a storingposition.

In the landing position, the landing platform is positioned for the UAVto land and take-off.

In the storing position, the UAV and the landing platform are positionedinside the container.

The UAV alignment unit is adapted for pushing the UAV, which has landedon the landing platform, to a landing area of the moveable landingplatform.

In practice, the UAV may not land on the landing area because of wind orother factors. When this happens, it may affect other operations of thestorage unit, especially closing of its cover. The UAV alignment unitadvantageously acts to place the UAV on the landing area.

The UAV alignment unit can include a positional detector for determiningthe position of the UAV, which has landed on the landing platform, usinga weight sensor. The determined position of the UAV can be usedadvantageously to activate the UAV alignment unit.

The UAV alignment unit can include at least one of a group consisting ofa plurality of plates for pushing the UAV to the landing area, at leasttwo fixed inclined walls for guiding the UAV to the landing area, and atleast two movable inclined walls for guiding the UAV to the landingarea. These provide different means of aligning the UAV.

The application also provides an improved air vehicle module with a setof surveillance contamination cameras.

The improved air vehicle module includes an Unmanned Air Vehicle and astorage unit that comprises a container for storing the UAV.

The air vehicle module also includes an external contamination camerabeing directed for taking external images of the storage unit with aninternal contamination camera being directed for taking internal imagesof the storage unit.

The external images and the internal images are intended for sending toa user for monitoring contaminations of the storage unit.

In practice, contaminations, such as snow, rain, dust, and sand canaffect the operation of the storage unit. These images serve to inform auser of the contaminations and to respond accordingly.

The application also provides an improved air vehicle module with a setof weed killer sprayers.

The air vehicle module includes an Unmanned Air Vehicle, a storage unitthat comprises a container for storing the UAV, and a set of weed killersprayers for preventing of bushes around the storage unit.

Bushes and small trees may grow around the storage unit and affect theoperation of the UAV. Prevention of the growth of bushes and small treesis thus important, especially when the air vehicle module is located ina remote area.

The application also provides an improved an air vehicle module with ananimal electric fence.

The air vehicle module includes an Unmanned Air Vehicle, a storage unitthat comprises a container for storing the UAV, and an electric fencebeing provided around the storage unit and being adapted for preventinganimals from accessing the storage unit. The electric fence provides anelectric shock to any animal trying to access the storage unit, therebydeterring the animal for accessing the storage unit. This important,especially the air vehicle module is unmanned and is located in remotearea.

The application also provides the Internet of things using at least oneof the above air vehicle modules.

Each object includes a sensor and a communication device for receivingdata from other objects, receiving data for the sensor, and sending thedata to the other objects for forwarding the data to a server computer.One of the above air vehicle module acts as one of the object.

The application also provides an Internet of Drones using a drone box.The drone box is provided by a UAV assembly, which is described in thisapplication.

The drone box provides a smart drone nesting solution that automatesprofessional drone operations in numerous industrial applications.

The drone box also provides a grid-independent drone battery chargingsystem to remove need for travelling to remote areas.

Furthermore, the drone box provides networked and movable surveillanceand inspection sensor systems to broaden applications of the Internet ofThings.

The Internet of Things refers to a network of physical objects, such asdevices, vehicles, buildings, and other items, which are embedded withelectronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity for enablingthese objects to collect and exchange data. The Internet of Thingsallows the objects to be sensed and controlled remotely across existingnetwork infrastructure, creating opportunities for more directintegration of the physical world into computer-based systems, andresulting in improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit. Whenthe Internet of Things is augmented with sensors and actuators, thetechnology becomes an instance of the more general class ofcyber-physical systems, which also encompasses technologies, such assmart grids, smart homes, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computingsystem but is able to interoperate within the existing Internetinfrastructure.

The drone box acts a system for converging professional drone-enabledservice activities with the Industrial Internet of Things.

The drone box is an all-inclusive, self-powered system that can bedeployed anywhere, including in remote areas where industrial assets,borders, or sensitive installations require constant monitoring.Designed as an evolution over unattended sensors and closed circuittelevision (CCTV) cameras, which are installed in cities, borders, orlarge industrial estates, the drone box provides sensors freedom ofmovement using drones as their vehicles for moving the sensors.End-users can deploy flying sensor systems at different locations, andmeasure just about anything, anywhere, and anytime. They offer 24/7reactivity or response, providing critical information to operators—evento those located thousands of miles away.

The drone box provides scalability for drone service operators. Suchservice providers use professional drones to provide their customerswith detailed aerial land surveys in mining or agriculture, performinfrastructure inspections, or monitor the progress of constructionsites. However, some remote locations need regular or prolonged visits,which increase travel costs and risks to drone service providers. Froman end-user perspective, despite providing powerful new insights withinan industrial context, the mass-adoption of professional UAVs is slowedby the special skills required to operate them. Conversely, bypre-deploying the drone box systems at the right locations, travel toremote areas is no longer required, charging or handling drone batteriesis eliminated, and sensor data is simply sent through a network for easyaccess and processing.

The drone boxes can be installed anywhere so that its drones can performpre-programmed scheduled routines, deploy on demand, or be woken up byother drones or sensors as part of a much wider network of “things”. Asa network, the drone box can increase their effectiveness and missiontimes using collaborative technologies. Such deployments could offerfirst responder support in crisis events before sending humans intodangerous environments, such as nuclear power plant meltdowns, chemicalspills, or natural disasters.

The drone box can charge drone batteries automatically within itsshelter system. Off-grid electric power is provided primarily by asolar-battery installation. For more advanced requirements, systemcapabilities can be extended using a box with an accessory that providesmore advanced communications and hosts a small back-up fuel cell systemfor year-long availability in mission critical locations.

The use of mobile sensors hosted in networked the drone boxes couldrevolutionize precision agriculture, border and perimeter security,wildlife protection, critical infrastructure maintenance, telecom towerand wind turbine maintenance, oil & gas asset inspection, building andfacilities management, just to name a few.

The application also provides an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) storageunit.

The UAV storage unit comprises a plurality of UAV storage modules. TheUAV storage modules are adapted for receiving UAVs and for storing thereceived UAVs. The UAV storage modules that are stacked vertically forproviding the UAV storage unit with a small footprint, thereby allowingthe UAV storage unit to be deployed at a site with a small space.

Each UAV storage module includes a container, a movable UAV landingplatform, and an extension and retraction mechanism.

In detail, the container is adapted for receiving and storing a verticaltake-off and landing UAV with propellers or rotors.

The rotors can be energized for providing a downward thrust in order tomove the UAV.

The extension and retraction mechanism is adapted for moving the UAVlanding platform between a landing position and a storing position.

In the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned outsidethe container.

The UAV landing platform is adapted for essentially not blocking thedownward thrust of the UAV. The landing platform has openings forallowing an airflow of a downward thrust of a landing UAV to passthrough the landing platform, wherein the landing platform does notinterfere with the downward thrust.

Similarly, the landing platform does not interfere with the downwardthrust when the UAV is taking off from the landing platform.

The landing platform is also placed higher than a predeterminedin-ground-effect height. A UAV, which is landing and is moving downwardtowards the UAV landing platform, is thus placed above the predeterminedin-ground-effect height. At this height, the airflow of the downwardthrust of the UAV is directed towards the ground, wherein the grounddoes not interfere with the downward thrust. If the landing UAV isplaced below the predetermined in-ground-effect height, the ground canaffect the airflow of the downward thrust, in that the ground causes adensity of air, which is placed between the rotors of the UAV and theground, to increase. This then causes a reduction of the downward thrustairflow, which, in turn, affects the landing of the UAV. This effect isalso called a cushioning effect.

In the storing position, the UAV and the landing platform are positionedinside the container. This allows the UAV to be sheltered from thesurrounding weather. It also protects the UAV from animals orunauthorized persons from accessing the UAV.

In short, the landing platform allows the UAV to land, wherein theairflow of the downward thrust of the landing UAV passes through thelanding platform, such that the landing platform does not affect orinterfere with the airflow.

The height of the landing platform prevents the ground from affectingthe airflow of the downward thrust. In other words, the height of thelanding platform eliminates or reduces in ground effect.

The landing platform advantageously improves the landing stability ofthe UAV.

The UAV storage module can be added to and can be removed from the UAVstorage unit according to operational requirement. As an example, theUAV storage module can be removed away from the UAV storage unit toanother site for repair or maintenance without affecting operation ofthe rest of the UAV storage unit. In other words, the number of UAVstorage module can be changed according to operating needs.

The landing platform can comprise at least a pair of landing surfaces.

The landing surfaces can include inclined landing portions forcontacting the landing UAV and for guiding the landing UAV to apredetermined landing position. This then allows the UAV to land on thepredetermined landing position quickly and easily.

The landing surfaces can comprise a UAV charging element. The UAVcharging element is adapted for charging a battery of the UAV when theUAV is positioned inside the container. This allows for replenishment ofelectrical energy of the UAV while the UAV is being stored in thecontainer.

The UAV storage unit can also include a communication module. Thecommunication module is adapted for enabling the UAV storage unit tocommunicate with other UAV storage units or with a central controlstation.

The communication module can be placed above the UAV storage modules.This higher position allows for better reception of signals.

The UAV storage unit can also include an electrical energy storagemodule. The electrical energy storage module is adapted for providingelectrical energy to power the UAV storage unit.

The electrical energy storage module can be placed below the UAV storagemodules. This allows the above UAV storage modules to be placed athigher levels for reducing in ground effect.

The application provides an improved protection storage unit for anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container, a moveable UAV landingplatform, and a UAV receptacle. In use, the UAV receptacle is positionedabove the UAV landing platform. The UAV receptacle includes one or moreinclined surfaces for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAVlanding position on the UAV landing platform. Furthermore, the UAVcontainer encloses the UAV.

This UAV receptacle allows for an accurate landing of the UAV, even whenground effect is present.

The UAV receptacle can have a shape of inverted pyramid frustum,although other shapes are possible.

The UAV landing platform often include a pair of UAV electrical powerconnector for connecting with a battery of the landing UAV. In otherwords, the electrical power connector allows for transfer of electricalenergy to the UAV.

The UAV receptacle can include an extendable surface for adapting adimension of the UAV receptacle according to a corresponding dimensionof the landing UAV. In the words, the size of the receptacle can changefor working different UAVs.

The application provides a further improved protection storage unit forenclosing an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes comprising a UAV container and a moveable UAVlanding platform.

In use, the UAV container encloses the UAV.

The moveable UAV landing platform provides a landing position and astoring position. In the landing position, the UAV landing platform ispositioned for the UAV to land and to takeoff. The UAV landing platformis often placed outside the container.

The UAV landing platform is adapted such that it essentially does notblock an airflow of a downward thrust of a propeller of the UAV. The UAVlanding platform is also positioned such that it prevents the groundfrom affecting the airflow of the downward thrust of the UAV.

In other words, the UAV does not essentially experience any groundeffect or cushioning effect.

The UAV landing platform can include a pair of landing surfaces forcontacting with the landing UAV.

The landing surfaces include portions for contacting the landing UAV andfor guiding the landing UAV to a predetermined landing position.

The landing surfaces often include an electrical charging element forcharging a battery of the UAV, when the UAV is positioned on the landingplatform.

The storage unit can also include an extension and retraction mechanismfor moving the UAV landing platform.

The storage unit often include a further container that stores acommunication module.

This container, which stores the communication module is placed abovethe container that stores the UAV.

The storage unit can also include another container that stores anelectrical energy storage module.

The container that stores the electrical energy storage module is oftenplaced below the container that stores the UAV.

The application also provides another improved protection storage unitfor enclosing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container, a moveable UAV landingplatform, and a UAV alignment unit.

In use, the container encloses the UAV. The UAV landing platformprovides an area for the UAV to land and to take off. The UAV alignmentunit is adapted for pushing the UAV, which is positioned on the UAVlanding platform, to a predetermined landing area of the moveable UAVlanding platform.

In practice, the UAV may not land accurately on a predetermined area ofthe landing platform. The UAV may bounce upon landing and thus beshifted away from the predetermined area. The inaccurate placement canhinder the moving of the landing platform to the inside of thecontainer. The UAV alignment unit provides a benefit of correcting thisinaccuracy by moving the UAV to the predetermined area.

The UAV alignment unit can include a positional detector for determininga position of the UAV, which has landed on the UAV landing platform.

The positional detector can include a weight sensor for determining aposition of the UAV.

The UAV alignment unit can include comprises a plate for pushing theUAV, a fixed inclined walls for guiding the UAV, and/or two moveableinclined walls for guiding the UAV to the predetermined landing area.

The UAV landing platform often provides a landing position and a storingposition. In the landing position, the UAV landing platform ispositioned for the UAV to land and to take-off. In the storing position,the UAV landing platform is positioned inside the container.

The application also provides a further protection storage unit for anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container, a moveable UAV landingplatform, and a UAV guidance beacon unit.

The container is used for enclosing the UAV. The UAV guidance beaconunit is provided for guiding the UAV to the UAV landing platform. TheUAV guidance beacon includes a visible light ray source and an infraredlight ray source.

The light ray source and infrared light ray source provide respectivelight rays for guiding the UAV to the UAV landing platform.

The UAV is equipped with corresponding cameras for detecting these lightrays. The UAV then uses the detected light rays for guiding the UAV tothe landing platform.

The different light rays allow for easier detection of the light rays.For example, in the event of bright sun lights, the visible light raysmay be difficult to detect while the infrared light rays are easier todetect.

The beacon unit can include a visible light cover plate, which comprisesat least one opaque areas for blocking the visible light rays of thevisible light ray source and at least one transparent area, such thatthe visible light rays travel through the visible light cover plate toform a first predetermined guidance pattern.

The beacon unit can also include an infrared cover plate, whichcomprises at least one opaque area and at least one transparent area forblocking parts of the infrared light rays of the infrared light raysource, such that the infrared light rays travel through the infraredlight cover plate to form a second predetermined guidance pattern.

The visible light ray source can also be adapted to generate at leastone laser light ray with a visible light wavelength.

Similarly, the infrared light ray source can also is adapted to generateat least one laser light ray with an infrared light wavelength.

The UAV landing platform often provides a landing position and a storingposition. In the landing position, the UAV landing platform is extendedand is positioned for the UAV to land and to take-off. In the storingposition, the UAV landing platform with any UAV, which has landed on thelanding platform, is positioned inside the container.

The application provides a further improved protection storage unit foran Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container, a UAV guidance camera, amoveable UAV landing platform, and a UAV guidance controller.

In use, the UAV guidance camera receives a beacon unit light signal fromthe UAV, the UAV being lequipped with a beacon unit for generating thebeacon unit light signal.

The UAV guidance controller then generates one or more UAV flightinstructions according to light signal data from the UAV guidancecamera. The instructions provide steps for landing the UAV on the UAVlanding platform. The UAV guidance controller then sends out the UAVflight instructions to the UAV.

The UAV later lands on the UAV landing platform according to thereceived instructions.

The container afterward encloses the UAV.

This arrangement of the storage unit allows the camera to be placed onthe storage unit and not be placed on the UAV. In other words, this UAVhas to bear the camera load, which can affect the performance of theUAV. This is unlike other arrangements, wherein the camera is placed inthe UAV.

The storage unit can include a wind speed detector. The controller isthen adapted for generating the UAV flight instruction according to windspeed data from the wind speed detector. In other words, the generationof the flight instruction takes into consideration the effect of windspeed.

The storage unit can also include a wind direction detector while thecontroller is further adapted for generating the UAV flight instructionaccording to wind direction data from the wind direction detector.

The storage unit often includes a wireless transmitter for sending outthe UAV flight instruction (to the UAV).

The application provides another improved protection storage unit for anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container, a storage unit electricalpower source, a tethering assembly, and a controller. The electricalpower source is often placed inside the container. The tetheringassembly connects the UAV to the container. The controller acts tomanage or control the tethering assembly.

In detail, the container encloses and protects the UAV.

The tethering assembly includes a spool with a spool rotational sensor,a spool motor, an electrical utility cable, and a cable force sensor.

In use, the spool motor selectively rotates the spool.

The spool rotational sensor detects number of rotation of the spool andprovides a rotational data of the spool.

The electrical utility cable winds and unwinds around the spool. Theelectrical utility cable includes a power supply electrical wire, whichtransfers electrical energy from the storage unit electrical powersource to an electrical power source, such a battery, of the UAV.

The cable force sensor is attached to the UAV, wherein the cable forcesensor provides a measurement of a force being exerted by the electricalutility cable onto the UAV.

The controller is adapted for receiving the force measurement from thecable force sensor and for receiving the spool rotational data from thespool rotational sensor. The controller then energizes the spool motorfor rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to thespool rotational data.

The controller can also be further configured for energizing the spoolmotor according to a flight plan of the UAV.

The container often includes a moveable cover for allowing the UAV toingress into the container and to egress from the container.

The moveable cover can be adapted for rotating about a hinge, althoughother means of attaching the cover to the container are possible.

The electrical utility cable can include a sensor electrical wire fortransferring the force measurement from the cable force sensor to thecontroller.

The electrical utility cable can also include a protection metal shieldfor surrounding and enclosing the power supply electrical wire.

The cable force sensor can also include a wireless transmitter forsending the force measurement wirelessly to the controller.

The storage unit electrical power source can also include a power inletfor receiving electrical energy from a land vehicle electrical powersupply.

The tethering assembly often includes a bracket for supporting the spooland supporting a part of the electrical utility cable that is woundaround the spool. The tethering assembly can also include at least onebracket force sensor. The bracket force sensor is intended forconnecting the bracket to a support area, wherein the bracket forcesensor provides a measurement of a force being exerted by the bracketonto the support area. The controller is then adapted for energizing thespool motor for rotating the spool according to said measurement fromthe bracket force sensor.

The application provides another improved protection storage unit forenclosing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container for enclosing the UAV, and anexternal monitoring camera with an internal monitoring camera. Theexternal camera is directed for taking external images of the storageunit while the internal camera is directed for taking internal images ofthe storage unit. The external images can show conditions of the storageunit, such amount of snow, which is placed on the storage unit. Theinternal images can show internal contamination of the storage unit,such as amount of dirt, snow, or sand in the storage unit.

These images allow a user to determine schedule for servicing thestorage unit, which is important, especially when the storage unit islocated in remote areas.

The application provides a further improved protection storage unit forenclosing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The storage unit includes aUAV container for enclosing the UAV, and a set of weed killer sprayers.The weed killer sprayers are positioned in the vicinity of thecontainer. The sprayers dispense weed killer at predetermined intervalsfor preventing growth of bushes around the container. This enables thecontainer to be placed in remote areas where growth of bushes can hinderoperation of the container.

The application also provides a further improved protection storage unitfor enclosing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The storage unitincludes a UAV container and an electric fence. The container acts toenclose and to protect the UAV. The electric fence is placed around thecontainer. The electric fence prevents or deters animals from accessingor reaching the storage unit. This important, especially when thestorage unit is placed in a remote area where animals roam.

The application provides another improved protection storage unit for anUnmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

The storage unit includes a UAV container with a first sliding cover andwith a second sliding cover. These covers allow the UAV to ingress intothe container. The covers are then actuated to enclose and to protectthe UAV. The covers also allow the UAV to egress from the container.

The storage unit can include a rain sensor. Data from the rain sensorcan be used to determine automatically the operation of the UAV.

The storage unit often includes a lift assembly with a moveable UAVplatform for carrying the UAV. The lift assembly acts to position theUAV platform either inside or outside the container. The UAV platformprovides an area of the UAV to land and to take off.

The storage unit can include a beacon unit, which is positioned on ornear the UAV platform. The beacon unit provides light rays for guidingthe UAV to the UAV platform. This allows for easy determination oflocation of the UAV platform, which is important, especially in badweather conditions.

According to one aspect of the application, the storage unit includes awireless charging unit, which is provided on the UAV platform. After theUAV is positioned on the UAV platform, the wireless charging allows fortransfer of electrical energy from the container to a battery of theUAV.

For security reasons, the storage unit can include a tempering vibrationsensor. Vibrations of the container often indicates attempt ofunauthorized access of the container. Data from the vibration sensor canthen be used for detecting this access and responding to it.

The storage unit can also include a Global Positioning Unit (GPS) unitfor determining positional data of the storage unit. The storage unitcan be placed in different places. The data allows for easy locating ofthe storage unit.

The storage unit often include a controller or a central control unitfor managing or controlling parts of the storage unit.

The storage unit can also include an electrical energy storage forstoring and providing electrical energy to parts of the storage unitand/or to the UAV.

The storage unit can also include a communication unit for exchangingdata with the UAV or with an external unit.

The application provides an improved Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)module. The UAV module include one or more UAVs and one of theabove-mentioned storage unit for enclosing and protecting said UAV.

The application provides an improved network of objects. Each objectincludes a sensor and a communication device. The communication deviceacts to receive data from at least one other object and/or from itssensor. The communication device then sends the data to another object.One or more objects are each provided by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV). The network allows quick collection of data and quick response tothe data while the UAV enable accesses to areas can be difficult toreach.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the application is described in greater detail inthe accompanying Figures, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a UAV assembly that comprises afirst UAV protection storage device with a UAV, wherein sliding coversof the first UAV protection storage device are placed in a closedposition,

FIG. 2 illustrates the UAV protection storage device of FIG. 1, whereinits sliding covers are placed in an open position,

FIG. 3 illustrates a solar cell circuit for the UAV protection storagedevice of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative solar cell circuit for the UAVprotection storage device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a further UAV assembly thatincludes a second UAV protection storage device with two UAVs,

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the second UAV protection storagedevice of FIG. 5, wherein sliding covers of the second UAV protectionstorage device are placed in a closed position,

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the second UAV protection storagedevice of FIG. 5, wherein its sliding covers are placed in a partly openposition,

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of another UAV assembly thatincludes a mobile UAV protection storage device and a tethered UAV,

FIG. 9 illustrates an improved tethering assembly for the UAV assemblyof FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 10 illustrates a force sensor of the tethering assembly of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 illustrates an improved beacon unit for the UAV assembly ofFIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 12 illustrates a graph of light intensity and wavelength of lightrays of the beacon unit of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 illustrates a light pattern of the beacon unit of FIG. 11,

FIG. 14 illustrates a UAV alignment unit for a UAV landing platform of aUAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 15 illustrates another UAV alignment unit for a UAV landingplatform of a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS.1 to 8,

FIG. 16 illustrates a further UAV alignment unit for a UAV landingplatform of a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS.1 to 8,

FIG. 17 illustrates a UAV position detector unit for a UAV landingplatform of a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS.1 to 8,

FIG. 18 illustrates a cover for a UAV protection storage device of theUAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8, the cover is placed in a closed position,

FIG. 19 illustrates the cover of FIG. 18 being placed in different openpositions,

FIG. 20 illustrates another cover for a UAV protection storage device ofthe UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8, the cover is placed in a closedposition,

FIG. 21 illustrates the cover of FIG. 20 being rotated to a partial openposition,

FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 20,

FIG. 23 illustrates a further cover for a UAV protection storage deviceof the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8, the cover is placed in a closedposition,

FIG. 24 illustrates the cover of FIG. 23 being placed in an initial openposition,

FIG. 25 illustrates the cover of FIG. 23 being placed in a final openposition,

FIG. 26 illustrates a set of cameras for a UAV protection storage deviceof the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 27 illustrates a set of weed killer sprayer for a UAV protectionstorage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 28 illustrates an electric fence surrounding a UAV protectionstorage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 29 illustrates a network of sensors, which includes a sensor of aUAV of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8,

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a UAV storage box,

FIG. 31 illustrates a side view of the UAV storage box of FIG. 30,

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a UAV hangar module of the UAVstorage box of FIG. 30,

FIG. 33 illustrates a UAV landing platform extension mechanism of theUAV hangar module of FIG. 32,

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of the UAV landing platformextension mechanism of FIG. 33, the UAV landing platform extensionmechanism is placed in a retraction state,

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of the UAV landing platformextension mechanism of FIG. 33, the UAV landing platform extensionmechanism is placed in an extension state,

FIG. 36 illustrates a plan view of a movable UAV landing platform whenthe UAV landing platform extension mechanism of FIG. 33 is placed in theextension state,

FIG. 37 illustrates a plan view of the movable UAV landing platform whenthe UAV landing platform extension mechanism of FIG. 33 is placed in theretraction state,

FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of the UAV-landing platformextension mechanism with the movable UAV landing platform of the UAVhangar module of FIG. 32,

FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of the UAV landing platform ofthe UAV hangar module of FIG. 32 with a landing UAV,

FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of the UAV landing platform with thelanding UAV of FIG. 39,

FIG. 41 illustrates a side view of a communication module of the UAVstorage box of FIG. 30,

FIG. 42 illustrates a plan view of the communication module of FIG. 41,

FIG. 43 illustrates another UAV storage box,

FIG. 44 illustrates a further UAV hangar module with multiple movableUAV landing platforms,

FIG. 45 illustrates a further UAV landing platform of a UAV protectionstorage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

FIG. 46 illustrates a top view of a UAV landing and docking system witha UAV electrical power charging system for the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1to 8,

FIG. 47 illustrates a side view of the UAV landing and docking system ofFIG. 46,

FIG. 48 illustrates a further receptacle of the UAV landing and dockingsystem of FIG. 46,

FIG. 49 illustrates an expanded state of the receptacle of FIG. 48,

FIG. 50 illustrates another receptacle of the UAV landing and dockingsystem of FIG. 46,

FIG. 51 illustrates a first expanded state of the receptacle of FIG. 50,

FIG. 52 illustrates a second expanded state of the receptacle of FIG.50,

FIG. 53 illustrates an improved landing system for the UAV assembly ofFIGS. 1 to 8, and

FIG. 54 illustrates a bottom view of an UAV, which includes the landingsystem of FIG. 53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, details are provided to describeembodiments of the application. It shall be apparent to one skilled inthe art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without suchdetails.

The embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts may have samenames or similar part numbers. The description of one part applies byreference to another similar part, where appropriate, thereby reducingrepetition of text without limiting the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a UAV assembly that includes a UAV protection storagedevice 1 with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) 2 in which the UAV 2carries an onboard UAV battery 4. The UAV protection storage device 1comprises an enclosure box 10 with a first sliding cover 11 and a secondsliding cover 12, which are shown in a closed position in FIG. 1. Thefirst sliding cover 11 and the second sliding cover 12 are movable alonga sliding path and they are actuated by an electric cover drive unit,which is not shown here.

The UAV protection storage device 1 further comprises a weather sensor14, two external movement sensors 15, a fuel cell 6, a first solar cellunit 16, which is mounted to the first sliding cover 11 and a secondsolar cell unit 17, which is mounted to the second sliding cover 12.

A scissor lift assembly 20 is provided in the enclosure box 10, thescissor lift assembly 20 comprising a UAV platform 30, which carries theUAV 2. The UAV platform 30 is also called a UAV landing platform. Abeacon unit 31 is provided on the UAV platform 30, as well as a wirelesscharging unit 32. The beacon unit 31 interacts with the UAV 2 in such away that it provides a wireless alignment of the UAV 2 during a landingoperation of the UAV 2 on the UAV platform 30. The beacon unit 31therefore emits an optical or electro-magnetic signal, which can bedetected by a corresponding receiver at the UAV 2.

The scissor lift assembly 20 can be moved by an electric or hydraulicactuator.

For detecting a movement of the UAV protection storage device 1, e.g. byan external tampering action, a vibration sensor and mercury switchassembly 40 is provided within the enclosure box 10. A GlobalPositioning System (GPS) tracker unit 71 provides the current positionand current local time of the UAV protection storage device 1.

The aforementioned components of the UAV protection storage device 1 aremanaged by a central control unit 50, which is connected with anelectrical energy storage 60. A communication unit 70 provides atransfer of information between the UAV protection storage device 1 andother devices, such as the UAV 2, a remote UAV management data centerthat is not shown here, or other UAV protection storage devices.

FIG. 2 shows the UAV protection storage device 1 of FIG. 1 with thefirst sliding cover 11 and the second sliding cover 12 in an openposition. The first sliding cover 11 and the second sliding cover 12have been moved by the electric cover drive unit, which in turn has beenactuated by the central control unit 50. The electrical energy for theelectric cover drive unit has been supplied by the electrical energystorage 60.

The scissor lift assembly 20 is now in an elevated position, as comparedwith FIG. 1, such that the upper level of the UAV platform 30 isessentially flush with the upper edge of the enclosure box 10. The UAV 2is in ready-to-take-off position.

In the absence of unauthorized human activity, or any functional anomalyrecorded by any sensor in the vicinity of the UAV protection storagedevice 1, the UAV 2 is allowed to take off. The take-off permission maybe granted by a human operator or by a computer system based on acombination of state of charge of the UAV battery 4 as well as the stateof charge of the electrical energy storage 60, favorable environmentalor weather conditions, routine autonomous flight schedule, or manualflight control, or anomaly type, determined by a sensor in the vicinityof the UAV protection storage device 1. The environmental conditionsinclude temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

Before take-off, the weather sensor 14 makes a decision whether to openor close the sliding covers 11 and 12 based on environmental conditions.If environmental conditions are not acceptable, the sliding covers 11and 12 do not open and a message is sent to the operator. Ifenvironmental conditions are acceptable, the sliding covers 11 and 12slide open and the scissor lift assembly 20 rises while the UAV preparesfor flight while still attached to the UAV platform 30. Same for thestate of charge of the UAV battery 4 as well as the state of charge ofthe electrical energy storage 60. If the UAV battery 4 as well as theelectrical energy storage 60 is fully charged, the doors will open. Ifthe UAV battery 4 as well as the electrical energy storage 60 is notfully charged, the doors will not open.

After all checks are complete, while the UAV 2 is still on its platformand prior to take-off, a pre-programmed flight route is selected by theUAV's operating system, or a new flight route is selected by a remoteoperator. This flight path is directly associated with a routineactivity, or associated to the location of an anomaly, which isdetermined by a sensor in the vicinity of the UAV 2 and the dataprocessing software that is connected to that sensor. After take-off,the sliding covers 11 and 12 close. After completing its mission, theUAV 2 finds its way back to the UAV protection storage device 1 using anautonomous navigation system. The sliding covers 11 and 12 open to allowthe UAV platform 30 to be raised by the scissor lift assembly 20.

The UAV 2 lands onto the UAV platform 30 using a GPS guided precisionnavigation system where the GPS signal is available and usable. In otherwords, this GPS signal has a low level of noise and a sufficiently highlevel of signal strength. Similarly, the UAV 2 lands onto the UAVplatform 30 using a GPS-independent precision navigation system wherethe GPS signal is not available or unusable. An example of theGPS-independent precision navigation system includes an infrared signalpaired between the beacon unit 31 with a sensor onboard the UAV 2.

After landing, sensors on the UAV protection storage device 1 determinethe accuracy of position of the UAV 2. The UAV platform 30 will beshifted slightly downwards, while the sliding covers 11 and 12 slidetowards the UAV 2 to push it into a central position on the UAV platform30. The sliding covers 11 and 12 open again, the UAV platform 30descends fully until it reaches its lower limit. Once the lower limit isreached, the sliding covers 11 and 12 close. The UAV battery 4 chargingsequence begins, using the electrical energy storage 60, which ischarged using the solar cell units 16 and 17 and/or fuel cell 6.

The sliding covers 11 and 12 have the shape of boxes with two opensurfaces, of which one is an open lower surface, facing towards theenclosure box 10, and of the other one faces towards the other slidingcover. The shape of the sliding covers provides an easy opening in ahorizontal sliding direction. In a closed state of the UAV protectionstorage device 1, edges of the sliding covers 11 and 12 abut againsteach, thereby complementing each other in order to form a closed coverthat prevents the elements from entering the inside of the enclosure box10. In an open state, the sliding covers 11 and 12 open wide in order toallow the UAV 2 to leave the enclosure box 10 through its upper side,which is open.

In a general sense, the UAV protection storage device 1 as described inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2 serves as the device for retrieving and storing theUAV 2 within a protective enclosure at the end of its flight operation.With the closure of the sliding covers 11 and 12, the retrieved UAV 2 isfurther protected from the effects of weather, such as rain, snow, dust,and water, and from insects and animals.

The weather sensor 14 detects the presence of rain or snow falling onthe sensor itself by measuring the ambient precipitation and surfacetemperature of the upper surface of the sliding covers 11 and 12. Oncethe weather sensor 14 has detected rainfall or snowfall conditions, itmay transmit the necessary command signal to actuate the electric coverdrive unit to close the sliding covers 11 and 12. The use of the weathersensor 14 to detect the presence of rainfall or snowfall conditions mayalso facilitate the central control unit 50 to autonomously manage thedecision-making process in regards to determining whether the UAV 2 maybe permitted to take-off or land under varying degrees of severity ofrainy or snowy environmental conditions. This decision-making processmay be initiated by the weather sensor 14 with the transmission of afeedback signal to the central control unit 50 to manage the actuationof the electric cover drive unit to open or to close the sliding covers11 and 12.

As the take-off and landing phases of the UAV 2 are the most safetycritical aspects of its flight operation, it is imperative thatconsiderations are given to mitigate the potential safety hazard posedby unauthorized human activity that may be happening near and around theUAV protection storage device 1. By mounting the two external movementsensors 15 on the sliding covers 11 and 12, it is possible to detect thepresence of people moving in the vicinity of the UAV protection storagedevice 1.

When unauthorized human activity is detected, the external movementsensors 15 may transmit an alarm signal to the central control unit 50in order to autonomously manage the decision-making process in regardsto determining whether the UAV 2 may be permitted to take-off or land inthe presence of unauthorized human activity under three pre-defined casescenarios. Two case scenarios are applicable for determining whether theUAV 2 is allowed to take-off and one case scenario is applicable fordetermining whether the UAV 2 is allowed to land.

For the first case scenario that relates to deciding whether the UAV 2is allowed to take-off, the UAV 2 is positioned on the UAV platform 30,with the scissor lift assembly 20 in its closed position and the slidingcovers 11 and 12 in their closed positions. Under this case scenario,when the central control unit 50 receives the feedback signal from theexternal movement sensors 15, informing the presence of unauthorizedhuman activity in the vicinity of the UAV protection storage device 1,the central control unit 50 may register an internal ‘Cover Not Ready’logic state. This logic state prevents the central control unit 50 fromtransmitting the command signal to the electric cover drive unit to openthe sliding covers 11 and 12. This in turn prevents the scissor-liftassembly 20 from elevating the UAV 2 to its ready to take-off position.Thus the UAV 2 is prevented from taking-off under this case scenario.

For the second case scenario that relates to deciding whether the UAV 2is allowed to take-off, the UAV 2 is positioned on the UAV platform 30,with the scissor lift assembly 20 in its opened position and the slidingcovers 11 and 12 in their opened positions. Under this case scenario,when the central control unit 50 receives the feedback signal from theexternal movement sensors 15, informing the presence of unauthorizedhuman activity in the vicinity of the UAV protection storage device 1,the central control unit 50 may register an internal ‘Take-off NotReady’ logic state. This logic state triggers the central control unit50 to relay the transmission of a ‘No Go’ status signal to the UAV 2 viathe communication unit 70. The propulsion unit of the UAV 2 is preventedfrom starting up. This in turn prevents the UAV 2 from taking-off underthis case scenario.

For the case scenario that relates to deciding whether the UAV 2 isallowed to land, the UAV 2 is positioned at a pre-determined finalapproach altitude before performing its landing procedure on the UAVplatform 30. Under this case scenario, when the central control unit 50receives the feedback signal from the external movement sensors 15,informing the presence of unauthorized human activity in the vicinity ofthe UAV protection storage device 1, the central control unit 50 mayregister an internal ‘Landing Not Ready’ logic state. This logic statetriggers the central control unit 50 to relay the transmission of a ‘NoGo’ status signal to the UAV 2 via the communication unit 70. The UAV 2remains hovering on station at its pre-determined final approachaltitude. This in turn prevents the UAV 2 from landing under this casescenario.

If the UAV 2 has a low-battery situation, the UAV 2 can emit distresssignals to other UAV protection storage devices, which are locatedwithin its flying distance. These nearby UAV protection storage devicesthen check signals from its sensors.

If the signals indicate that it is safe for its UAV to fly and to vacateits UAV protection storage device, the UAV then initiates a take-offsequence to land at a nearby safe location, thereby allowing the UAV 2with the low battery situation to land at this nearby UAV protectionstorage device for charging its battery. The safe location is alsocalled a rally point. However, should no such UAV protection storagedevices be available, the UAV 2 with the low battery situation can electto land at a nearby safe location for resting.

In either case, an alarm is triggered at a remote UAV management centerto alert operators of the low-battery situation for addressing it.

The solar cell units 16 and 17 allow the UAV protection storage device 1to receive energy from a naturally sustainable resource—the Sun. Byconverting the received solar energy into electrical energy, theelectrical energy storage 60 may be used to collect some of theconverted electrical energy at pre-determined time intervals on a dailybasis under daylight conditions. The remaining converted electricalenergy that is not collected by the electrical energy storage 60 duringdaylight conditions is used to operate the UAV protection storage device1 during daytime.

During twilight conditions in the absence of the Sun, the electricalenergy that is stored in the electrical energy storage during daylightconditions may be used to operate the UAV protection storage device 1 atnight. Since this energy usage and storage cycle is repeated on a dailybasis, the UAV protection storage device 1 is not dependent on humanintervention to replenish its energy supply. This allows the UAVprotection storage device 1 enables to be used in support of UAVoperations in remote geographical regions where the logisticalrequirements for maintaining a constantly available energy supply chainmay be very demanding.

An external fuel cell system supplements solar power in case the usagefrequency of the storage system and UAV needs to accelerate or becomeconstant. This may be in the form of the fuel cell 6 placed inside theenclosure box 10 for protection.

The scissor lift assembly 20 enables the UAV platform 30 to be elevatedto the required height such that the upper level of the UAV platform 30is essentially flush with the upper edge of the enclosure box 10 inorder to cater for maximum safety clearance for the UAV 2 duringtake-off and landing operations.

The UAV platform 30 serves as a dedicated take-off and landing surfacefrom which the beacon unit 31 and the wireless charging unit 32 serve asthe immediate points of interaction between the UAV 2 and the UAVprotection storage device 1.

The vibration sensor and mercury switch assembly 40 may provide a meansfor detecting possible theft of the UAV protection storage device 1. Thevibration sensor detects slight shaking movement, which can serve as anindication of tampering. The mercury switch detects tilting, which canalso serve as an indication of tampering.

In the event that theft has taken place, the GPS tracker unit 71provides a means to locate the stolen UAV protection storage device 1.

If mission critical data is stored on the stolen UAV protection andstorage unit 1, all such data can be securely wiped in the event of anattempted theft. In other words, the mission critical data is erasedsuch that an unauthorized essentially cannot access the data.

The navigation system used by the UAV also serves as a tracker of thedevice. This tracker device can be on the UAV, as well as inside theprotection storage device.

The central control unit 50 provides the means for controlling theautomated functions of the UAV protection storage device 1 without thepresence of human intervention during operation.

The electrical energy storage 60 provides the means for staringelectrical energy received from the solar cell units 16 and 17, and oran external fuel cell 6 designed to supplement solar power in case oflack of sun, or increased frequency of activity. The stored electricalenergy can be used to operate the electrical systems of the UAVprotection storage device 1 as well as to provide a means to replenishthe electrical energy storage onboard the UAV 2. The electrical energystorage is in the form of a battery bank located inside the UAVprotection storage device 1. This battery bank accumulates solar energyuntil fully charged. Once fully charged, the charging system isdeactivated. If a discharge of the battery-bank is sensed, the chargingsystem is reactivated until charge is full. The battery bank transfersits stored energy to the UAV battery 4 using a contact or the wirelesscharging unit 31. Once the UAV battery 4 is fully charged, the chargingmechanism is deactivated. If the UAV battery 4 becomes slightlydischarged during non-operation, the charging mechanism is reactivateduntil it is fully charged. In one implementation, the charging mechanismis reactivated when the UAV battery 4 has less than an acceptable limit,a full charge being nominally 95%.

The communication unit 70 serves as the transmitter and receiver ofinternal wired and wireless signal data between the components of theUAV protection storage device 1. It also serves as the transmitter andreceiver of wireless signal data between the UAV protection storagedevice 1 and other devices, such as the UAV 2, the remote UAV managementdata center, the remote UAV pilot, or other UAV protection storagedevices. It also serves as a data transfer hub for other sensors in itsvicinity.

When closed, the UAV storage device is sealed and shielded from dust,rain, water, insects and other animals, and iso-fated from extremetemperature conditions. In other words, the doors are locked to preventtheft of the UAV 2 and unauthorized access to internal components of theUAV storage device.

In a general sense, the beacon unit 31 can emit infrared, acoustic, oranother suitable signal for detecting by a corresponding receiver at theUAV 2.

The pre-programmed flight route of the UAV 2 can be selected by anoperating system of the UAV 2 or by an operating system of theprotection storage device 1.

The sliding covers 11 and 12 can be replaced other types of doors, suchas a pivoting cover or dome.

The autonomous navigation system of the UAV 2 can be provided as aGlobal Positioning System (GPS), an inertial guidance system, as well asother types of guidance system. The inertial guidance system refers to acomputer with motion sensors and rotation sensors to calculate via deadreckoning the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving objectwithout the need for external references. The velocity refers todirection and speed of movement. Examples of the motion sensors includeaccelerometers while examples of the rotation sensors includegyroscopes.

The weather sensor 14 detects other environmental hazards, such sand,and frost, besides detecting the presence of rain or snow. The frost canimpair or disable battery operation.

In a general sense, the scissor lift assembly 20 can be replaced by alinear lift assembly.

FIG. 3 shows a first solar cell circuit 5 of the first solar cell unit16 of FIG. 1, in which an electrical resistor 7 and a diode 8 are usedin conjunction with a single-pole, single-throw switch 62 for switchingbetween a heating mode and a charging mode of the electrical energystorage 60.

The state of the first solar cell circuit 5 in FIG. 3 demonstrates thecharging mode of the electrical energy storage 60. The diode 8 preventsa reverse current flow from the electrical energy storage 60 through thefirst solar cell unit 16.

Upon the switch 62 being moved to its other state—not shown here—thefirst solar cell unit 16 is operated in reverse direction and theresistor 7 prevents the first solar cell unit 16 from being destroyed bythe electrical current. The resistor 7 is arranged adjacent to the firstsolar cell unit 16 and they together provide a heating power to theupper surface of the first solar cell unit 16. This can be used formelting ice and snow, which may have developed on the upper surface ofthe first solar cell unit 16.

In use, the central control unit 50, through a control line, canactivate the switch 62. The control line is not shown here.Alternatively, the switch 62 can activate the heating of the uppersurface of the first solar cell unit 16 by an internal control device.

The second solar cell unit 17 may or may not be integrated into acircuit, which is similar to the first solar cell circuit 5 as describedabove.

FIG. 4 shows a second solar cell circuit 34, which can be used—insteadof the first solar cell circuit 5 in FIG. 3—for the first solar cellunit 16 of FIG. 1. In the second solar cell circuit 34, a diode 8′ isused in conjunction with a double-pole, single-throw switch 63 forswitching between a heating mode and a charging mode of the electricalenergy storage 60.

The state of the second solar cell circuit 34 in FIG. 4 demonstrates thecharging mode of the electrical energy storage 60.

The diode 8′ prevents a reverse current flow from the electrical energystorage 60 through the first solar cell unit 16.

Upon the switch 63 being moved to its other state—not shown here—thefirst solar cell unit 16 provides a heating power on its upper surface.This can be used for melting ice and snow, which may have developed onthe upper surface of the first solar cell unit 16.

In use, the central control unit 50, through a control line, canactivate the switch 63. The control line is not shown here.Alternatively, the switch 63 can activate the heating of the uppersurface of the first solar cell unit 16 by an internal control device.

The second solar cell unit 17 may or may not be integrated into acircuit, which is similar to the first solar cell circuit 34 asdescribed above.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a further UAV assembly that includes asecond UAV protection storage device 1′ with two UAVs 2′. Parts of thesecond UAV protection storage device 1′ that are identical or similarwith parts of the first UAV protection storage device 1 have the samereference numeral as those in FIG. 1, with a prime symbol added.

In FIG. 5, the second UAV protection storage device 1′ comprises anenclosure box 10′ with an enclosure compartment dieider 121 thatseparates an enclosure lower compartment 118 from an enclosure uppercompartment 119. The enclosure compartment divider 121 further comprisesa first opening 122 a and a second opening 122 b.

The lower compartment 118 comprises a lower first conveyor 123, a lowersecond conveyor 124, an upper first conveyor 125, and an upper secondconveyor 126. The conveyors 123, 124, 125 and 126 serve to transportparcels 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, and 72 e to and from an inter-conveyorparcel manipulator 127. The inter-conveyor parcel manipulator 127provides the primary means of transferring the parcels 72 a between theconveyors 123 and 124 and the conveyors 125 and 126.

A first scissor lift assembly 120 a and a second scissor lift assembly120 b are provided in the upper compartment 119, the scissor liftassemblies 120 a and 120 b each comprise a UAV platform 130, whichcarries the UAV 2′.

The UAV platform 130 comprises an aperture 133, which passes from itsbottom surface to its top surface. A conveyor-to-UAV parcel manipulator128 is mounted on the bottom surface of the UAV platform 130 tofacilitate the transfer of parcels 72 a from the conveyors 125 and 126to the UAV 2′ via the aperture 133 of the UAV platform 130.

A beacon unit 131 is further provided on the UAV platform 130, as wellas a wireless charging unit 132. The beacon unit 131 and the wirelesscharging unit 132 interact with the UAV 2′ in same way as the way thebeacon unit 31 and the wireless charging unit 32 interact with the UAV 2described in FIG. 1.

The components in FIG. 5 that are similar in form and function to thosedescribed in FIG. 1 are the vibration sensor and mercury switch assembly40′, the central control unit 50′, the electrical energy storage 60′,the communication unit 70′ and the GPS unit 71′. These components areshown to be located in the upper compartment 119 but they may also belocated in the lower compartment 118.

The UAVs 2′ comprise a carrier unit—not shown here—for attachingobjects, such as the parcel 72 a or further devices, that can beremotely released.

In a general sense, the second UAV protection storage device 1′ asdescribed in FIG. 5 provides the expanded capability for retrieving andstoring up to two UAVs 2′ within a protective enclosure at the end oftheir flight operations, or at the beginning of flight operations forone UAV 2′, and the end of one flight operation for the other UAV 2′.The protective, safety and electrical energy storage features of thesecond UAV protection storage device 1′ in FIG. 5 are similar to thefeatures described for the first UAV protection storage device 1 in FIG.1.

The scissor lift assemblies 120 a and 120 b shown in FIG. 5 provide thesimilar function to the scissor lift assembly 20 of FIG. 1, by elevatingthe UAV platform 130 in order to cater for maximum safety clearance forthe UAVs 2′ during take-off and landing operations. While the UAVplatform 130 in FIG. 5 serves the basic function as a dedicated take-offand landing surface similarly to the UAV platform 30 as described inFIG. 1, the UAV platform 130 further provides the means to transferparcels 72 a from the conveyors 125 and 126 to the UAV 2′.

A UAV carrying a parcel from a departure point to an arrival point canselect a path with UAV relay points, these relay points being composedof UAV protection storage devices with available storage space, so thatthe UAV with consumed power supply can bring the parcel to other fullycharged UAVs, and for the parcel to reach the arrival point in theshortest amount of time. Once the path is determined, the UAV carrying aparcel will travel towards the first UAV protection storage device. Onceit is flying above or nearby the first UAV protection storage device,the first UAV protection storage device opens its sliding covers toreveal its available storage space. The UAV 2′ with parcel lands on itsUAV platform 130 and is lowered into the UAV protection storage device,in order to replenish its batteries. The sliding covers of the UAVprotection storage device close to seal the UAV and its contents insidethe UAV protection storage device during charge or parcel transfer. Theparcel can either stay on the same UAV until the UAV battery is fullycharged and for the journey to continue if travel time is not aconstraint, or the parcel can be transferred to another fully chargedUAV 2′ located in an adjacent UAV protection storage device to minimizeoverall travel time of the parcel. For the parcel transfer to takeplace, the first UAV 2′ releases the parcel onto a conveyor belt systemlocated below its UAV platform 130. Once released, the parcel movesinside a space with a length composed of the length of both boxes aboveit, towards and below the fully charged UAV. The fully charged UAV'sconveyor-to-UAV parcel manipulator 128 b reaches for the parcel andsecures it, in the same way as the first incoming UAV's conveyor-to-UAVparcel manipulator 128 a. Meanwhile the first UAV transfers the flightpath to the second UAV. Once the parcel is secured on the fully chargedUAV, weather, human or animal proximity and other conditions are checkedso that it is safe for the UAV to take off. With all external conditionschecked and deemed acceptable, the sliding covers open, the UAV platformrises, and the UAV takes off applies the original route determined bythe first UAV, whose destination is either the final arrival point orthe next UAV protection storage device as a relay point for the parcelto be transferred to another fully charged UAV.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the second UAV protection storagedevice of FIG. 5, in which its first sliding cover 11′ and its secondsliding cover 12′ are in their first positions, and a movable middlecover 113 is in its first position.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the second UAV protection storagedevice of FIG. 5, in which its first sliding cover 11′ and its secondsliding cover 12′ are in their second positions, and the movable middlecover 113 is in its second position

FIG. 8 shows another UAV module. The UAV module includes a UAVprotection storage device 1″ and a tethered UAV 2″. The UAV 2″ isconnected to the UAV protection storage device 1″ by a cable.

The tethered UAV 2″ also includes an onboard battery 4″, a plurality ofUAV sensors, a wireless data transceiver, and a UAV controller. The UAVsensors, the wireless data transceiver, and the controller are not shownin FIG. 1. The UAV sensors comprise sensors deemed necessary for aparticular mission, such as a surveillance camera, a LIDAR sensor, orinfrared sensor. The LIDAR sensor allows a surveying technology tomeasure distance by illuminating a target with a laser light. Thecontroller is electrically connected to the battery 4″, the UAV sensors,and the wireless data transceiver.

The UAV 2″ also comprises a parcel carrier unit—not shown here—forattaching, carrying, and releasing objects. The parcel carrier unit isalso called a claw.

Referring to the UAV protection storage device 1″, it includes anenclosure box 10″, an electrical cable assembly, a scissor lift assembly20″, and an electrical module. The scissor lift assembly 20″ is placedinside the enclosure box 10″.

The enclosure box 10″ comprises a pair of sliding covers, namely a firstsliding cover 11″ and a second sliding cover 12″, and an electric coverdrive unit. The electric cover drive unit is not shown in FIG. 1. Theelectric cover drive unit is adapted for moving the first sliding cover11″ and the second sliding cover 12″ along a sliding path.

The scissor lift assembly 20″ comprises a movable UAV platform 30″ witha lifting mechanism, a UAV guidance beacon unit 31″, and a wirelesspower-charging transmitter 32″. The guidance beacon unit 31″ and thewireless power-charging transmitter 32″ are positioned in the vicinityof the platform 30″.

The electrical module includes a plurality of ground sensors, acommunication unit 70″, a central control unit 50″, and an electricalpower supply module. The electrical power supply module is electricallyconnected to the ground sensors, to the communication unit 70″, and tothe central control unit 50″.

In detail, the box sensors comprise a weather sensor 14″, two externalmovement sensors 15″, a tamper vibration sensor and mercury switchassembly 40″, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker unit 71″.The GPS tracker unit 71″ is also called a positional tracking unit.

The power module includes a fuel cell 6″, a first solar cell unit 16″with a second solar cell unit 17″, and an electrical energy storage 60″.The first solar cell unit 16″ is mounted to an external surface of thefirst sliding cover 11″, while the second solar cell unit 17″ is mountedto an external surface of the second sliding cover 12″ for receivingsunlight. The fuel cell 6″ is placed inside the enclosure box 10″. Theelectrical energy storage 60″ is electrically connected to the fuel cell6″, the first solar cell unit 16″, and the second solar cell unit 17″.

The electrical cable assembly comprises a cable spool 80″ with ashielded electrical supply line 81″.

The shielded electrical supply line 81″ has an elongated shape. One endof the shielded electrical supply line 81″ is electrically connected tothe electrical energy storage 60″ while another end of the shieldedelectrical supply line 81″ is electrically connected to a power supplyof the UAV 2″. A part of the shield electrical supply line 81″ iswrapped about the cable spool 80″.

In a further embodiment, the electrical energy storage 60″ iselectrically connected with an energy source of a vehicle thattransports the mobile UAV protection storage device 1″.

In another embodiment, the electrical energy storage 60″ is replaced byan energy source of a vehicle that transports the mobile UAV protectionstorage device 1″.

In a further embodiment, the electrical energy storage 60″ iselectrically connected with or be replaced by an energy source of avehicle—not shown here—that transports the mobile UAV protection storagedevice 1″.

In another embodiment, the electrical energy storage 60″ is electricallyconnected with or be replaced by an alternative energy source, forexample, a hydrogen fuel cell system.

In a further embodiment, the solar cell units 16 and 17 are mounted onthe ground for receiving sunlight.

In use, the UAV 2″ acts as an aircraft without a human pilot aboard theUAV 2″.

The UAV 2″ is intended for taking-off and landing essentially in thevertical direction. In detail, the UAV 2″ moves upward, essentially inthe vertical direction, for leaving the UAV protection storage device1″. The UAV 2″ also moves downwards, essentially in the verticaldirection, for returning to the UAV protection storage device 1″.

The wireless data transceiver of the UAV 2″ is used for communicatingwith the communication unit 70″ of the UAV protection storage device 1″.In a general sense, the wireless data transceiver can also communicatewith a remote UAV management module or a remote UAV pilot.

In one embodiment, for security, the communication unit 70″ encrypts anddecrypts data using strong encryption methods, such as AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES), Triple Data Encryption Algorithm (TDEA orTriple DEA), or any such equivalent cryptographically strong methods.

The UAV sensors are used for taking measurements, especially when theUAV 2″ is flying or is in the air. As an example, the UAV sensors caninclude a surveillance camera that is used for taking aerial pictures ofthe ground. The UAV sensors can also include a temperature and humiditysensor for measuring temperature and humidity of the atmosphere.

The wireless data transceiver is also used for sending the sensormeasurements to the communication unit 70″.

Referring to the UAV protection storage device 1″, it serves as aprotective enclosure for receiving and storing the UAV 2″.

The electric cover drive unit receives electrical energy from theelectrical energy storage 60″ for moving the first sliding cover 11″ andthe second sliding cover 12″, when the central control unit 50″activates or energizes the electric cover drive unit.

The first sliding cover 11″ together with and the second sliding cover12″ provides two positions, namely an open position and a closedposition.

The open position allows the UAV 2″ to enter or leave the enclosure box10″. The closed position acts to protect the UAV 2″, which is placedinside the enclosure box 10″, from external effects of weather, such asrain, snow, dust, and water, and from insects and animals.

Referring to the scissor lift assembly 20″, the platform 30″ serves tosupport or bear the weight of the UAV 2″.

The beacon unit 31″ is intended for guiding the UAV 2″ to landaccurately on the UAV platform 30″. In detail, the beacon unit 31″ emitsan optical electro-magnetic guidance signal, which can be received by areceiver of a nearby UAV. The nearby UAV then uses the guidance signalto locate and to align with the UAV platform 30″ in order to landaccurately on the UAV platform 30″.

The lifting mechanism is used for placing the platform 30″ at anelevated position and at a storing position.

In the elevated position, an upper level of the UAV platform 30″ isplaced essentially flush with the upper surface of the enclosure box10″. This elevated position allows the UAV 2″ to take-off easily fromthe enclosure box 10″. Put differently, the UAV 2″ can leave theenclosure box 10″ easily and safely without the flying UAV 2″ damagingany part of the UAV protection storage device 1″. This elevated positionalso allows the UAV 2″ to land easily and safely on the UAV platform30″.

The storing position allows the UAV 2″, which is resting on the platform30″, to be placed inside the enclosure box 10″, wherein the slidingcovers 11″ and 12″ can be placed in the closed position.

Referring to the ground sensors, the weather sensor 14″ measures ambientprecipitations and surrounding temperature of the enclosure box 10″ aswell as wind speed and direction, and dust levels. The weather sensor14″ then sends the measurement information to the central control unit50″.

The two external movement sensors 15″ detect the presence of people oranimals, which are in the vicinity of the UAV protection storage device1″. The two external movement sensors 15″ later transmit the detectioninformation to the central control unit 50″.

Any unauthorized attempt to lift or move the UAV protection storagedevice 1″ would trigger the vibration sensor and mercury switch assembly40″, which sends an alert data to the central control unit 50″. Anymission critical information that is stored is then immediately andsecurely erased.

The vibration sensor and mercury switch assembly 40″ provides a meansfor detecting tampering of the UAV protection storage device 1″. Anunauthorized person, forcing the sliding covers 11″ and 12″ to open,often also causes the sliding covers 11″ and 12″ to vibrate. Thisvibration can then serve as an indication of tampering. The vibrationsensor and mercury switch assembly 40″ afterward sends the vibrationinformation to the central control unit 50″.

The GPS tracker unit 71″ provides location information of the UAVprotection storage device 1″. The GPS tracker unit 71′ transmits thelocation information to the central control unit 50″.

The communication unit 70″ serves as a transmitter and a receiver ofdata between the central control unit 50″ and an external device, suchas the UAV 2″, a remote UAV management module, a remote UAV pilot, oranother UAV protection storage device.

In detail, the communication unit 70″ receives sensor measurement data,such aerial pictures data, from the UAV sensors of the UAV 2″. Thecommunication unit 70″ then sends the received sensor measurement dataor instructions to the central control unit 50″.

The communication unit 70″ sends instructions, which includes flightdata, to the UAV 2″ for the UAV 2″ to perform.

The central control unit 50″ is equipped a software program forprocessing or treating information, namely weather sensor measurementinformation, external movement sensor detection information, sensorvibration information, and the tracker unit location information. Thecentral control unit 50″ can also treat information from the UAV 2″.

The central control unit 50″ later generates instructions for theprotection storage device 1″ according to the received information. Thecentral control unit 50″ also generates instructions, such as flightcommands, according to the received information and sends the generatedinstructions to the UAV 2″.

As an example, the central control unit 50″ can activate the electriccover drive unit to move the sliding covers 11″ and 12″ of theprotection storage device 1″ to the closed position, when informationfrom the weather sensor 14″ indicates the absence of snow, rain, frost,sand, or other harmful particles in the vicinity of the UAV protectionstorage device 1″.

The central control unit 50″ later provides instructions for elevatingthe platform 30″ to allow the UAV 2″ to leave the UAV protection storagedevice 1″.

The central control unit 50″ also generates instructions for alerting auser, when information from the external movement sensors 15″ indicatesthe presence of people or animal in the vicinity of the UAV protectionstorage device 1″.

The central control unit 50″ also generates instructions for alertingsecurity when information from the vibration sensor and mercury switchassembly 40″ and/or the GPS tracker unit 71″ indicates theft orunauthorized movement of the UAV protection storage device 1″.

Referring to the power module, the fuel cell 6″ converts the chemicalenergy from a fuel into electricity, which is later transmitted to theelectrical energy storage 60″ for storing.

The solar cell units 16″ and 17″ receive sunlight, wherein the solarcell units 16″ and 17″ convert energy from the received sunlight intoelectrical energy, which is then sent to the electrical energy storage60″ for storing.

The electrical energy storage 60″ provides energy to electrical parts ofthe UAV protection storage device 1″, especially to the wireless powercharging transmitter for charging the battery 4″ of the UAV 2″.

The power module has an advantage of receiving from dual sources.Moreover, the solar cell units 16″ and 17″ allow the UAV protectionstorage device 1″ to receive energy from a naturally sustainableresource, the sun. On the hand, the fuel cell 6″ provides a differentmeans for supplying energy that is not dependent on the sun. This isespecially important when the UAV protection storage device 1″ isoperating in remote geographical regions where logistical support forproviding electrical power supply is restricted.

Referring to the electrical cable assembly, the cable spool 80″ is usedfor winding and unwinding the shielded electrical supply line 81″. Inother words, one part of the shielded electrical supply line 81″ can bewounded or wrapped around the cable spool 80″ while another part of theshielded electrical supply line 81″ can be unwounded or be released fromthe cable spool 80″.

The central control unit 50″ actuates or rotates the cable spool 80″ foradjusting the released length of the shielded electrical supply line81″. The central control unit 50″ often adjusts the released length inorder to allow the operating UAV 2″ to reach a predetermined flightaltitude.

In a special embodiment, the electrical supply line 81″ is enclosed inan armored cable. The armored cable has an outer layer of metal. Themetal can include steel or aluminum material. The metal layer can beprovided in the form of strands.

The metal layer mechanically protects the electrical supply line 81″from being easily cut and from rainwater. The steel layer can also actbe connected to electrical earth point for electrically shielding theelectrical supply line 81″.

The UAV protection storage device 1″ receives telemetry or sensor datafrom the UAV 2″, and adjusts the released length of the shieldedelectrical supply line 81″ accordingly to ensure that the supply line81″ is always kept substantially taut, without being tight. The UAVprotection storage device 1″ also uses information from force sensors asexplained below.

A further feature of the central control unit 50″ is that it makes useof the amount of supply line 81″, which has been laid out or released tohelp maintain checkpoints of commands given to the UAV 2″.

As an example, the UAV 2″ is commanded to turn left when 20 meters ofthe supply line 81″ has been laid out, and then again commanded to turnright when 25 meters of the supply line 81″ is laid out.

Such information can also aid to calculate the position of the UAV 2″ inthe event of no or poor GPS reception.

Alternatively, a mechanical spring or an internal cable length controldevice can adjust the released length of the shielded electrical supplyline 81″.

The electrical supply line 81″ allows electrical energy to betransferred from the electrical energy storage 60″ to a power supply ofthe UAV 2″.

This often provides a large electrical energy to propulsion units of theUAV 2″, thereby allowing the UAV 2″ to carry heavier objects. The largeenergy can also serve to lengthen the flight duration of the UAV 2′.

In summary, this embodiment provides a UAV module with a UAV storagedevice and a UAV. The UAV has an unattended sensor, wherein the UAV canbe operated without human intervention. In other words, the sensor cantake measurement without being attended to. The UAV module does notrequire users to travel to the UAV module for operating it. The UAVmodule can operate automatically. The UAV can also be triggered by anevent, by a schedule, or by demand. The UAV storage device can also beoperate all the time, being powered primarily by the sun and secondarilyby a fuel cell. The UAV module can also decide locally regarding the UAVflight safety. The battery of the UAV can be charged wirelessly whileits sensor data can be transferred wirelessly. The UAV module can benetworked with other UAV module to serve as the Internet of Things.

FIG. 9 depicts an improved UAV assembly with a tethering assembly.

FIG. 9 shows a tethering assembly 215 for the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to8.

The UAV assembly 200 includes a UAV 202 and a UAV protection storagedevice 201.

In particular, the UAV 202 comprises a plurality of rotor motors 222 anda battery 204 for selectively energizing the rotor motors 222.

The UAV protection storage device 201 includes an electrical energystorage 260, a central control unit 250, and a wind sensor 270. Theelectrical energy storage 260 and the wind sensor 270 are electricallyconnected to the central control unit 250.

In a general sense, an environmental sensor can replace the wind sensor270.

In detail, the tethering assembly 215 includes a UAV force sensor 230, astorage device cable spool assembly 240, and a cable 280. The cable 280extends from the UAV force sensor 230 to the storage device cable spoolassembly 240.

The UAV force sensor 230 is attached to the UAV 202 and to the cable280.

Referring to the cable spool assembly 240, it is placed inside the UAVprotection storage device 201. The cable spool assembly 240 includes acable spool 300, a spool motor 305 with a spool rotational sensor 310, aspool bracket 320 with a plurality of spool force sensors 325, and amounting plate 330.

The cable spool 300 is adapted for winding and unwinding the cable 280.

The spool motor 305 is mechanically engaged with the cable spool 300 forrotating the cable spool 300. The spool motor 305 is electricallyconnected to the central control unit 250.

The spool rotational sensor 310 is adapted for measuring the number ofrotations of the cable spool 300. The spool rotational sensor 310 isalso electrically connected to the central control unit 250.

The spool bracket 320 is configured for holding and supporting the cablespool 300 together with the spool motor 305 and the spool rotationalsensor 310.

The force sensors 325 are connected to the spool bracket 320 and to themounting bracket 330, which is attached to a part of the storage device201. The force sensors 325 are electrically connected to the centralcontrol unit 250.

Referring to the cable 280, a part of the cable 280 is wrapped aroundthe cable spool. The cable 280 includes a power supply electrical wire,a sensor signal wire, and a shielding tube. The shielding tube enclosesthe power supply electrical wire and the sensor signal wire.

One end of the power supply electrical wire is electrically connected tothe electrical energy storage 260 of the UAV protection storage device201 while another end of the power supply electrical wire iselectrically connected to the battery 204 of the UAV 202. One end of thesensor signal wire is electrically connected to the central control unit250 of the UAV protection storage device 201 while another end of thesensor signal wire is electrically connected to the UAV force sensor 230of the UAV 202.

In use, the power supply electrical wire transfers electrical energyfrom the electrical energy storage 260 of the UAV protection storagedevice 201 to the battery 204 of the UAV 202, wherein the battery 204stores this energy.

The battery 204 provides electrical energy to the rotor motors 222 andto the UAV force sensor 230.

The energized rotor motor 222 exerts a thrust or force for lifting theUAV 202 together with any load or measurement sensors upward andforward, in order for the UAV 202 to fly along a desired flight route.

The spool bracket 320 holds and supports the weight of the cable spool300 and any cable 280 that is wound around the cable spool 300, theweight of the spool motor 305, and the weight of the spool rotationalsensor 310.

The spool motor 305 rotates or turns the cable spool 300 according to anactivation signal from the central control unit 250. In other words, thecentral control unit 250 activates or energies the spool motor 305 inorder for rotating the cable spool 300. The activation can be doneaccording to telemetry or sensor information collected by the UAV 202and to information from the force sensors 325, as indicated below.

The rotation of the cable spool 300 acts to wind or unwind the cable280. Put differently, the rotation of the cable spool 300, in onespecific direction, serves to release a specific length of the cable280, thereby lengthening the released cable 280 for allowing the UAV 202to be separated further from the UAV protection storage device 201.Similarly, the rotation of the cable spool 300, in the reversedirection, serves to shorten the length of the released cable 280.

The spool rotational sensor 310 measures the number of rotation of thecable spool 300 and sends the spool rotational information to thecentral control unit 250. The central control unit 250 can then use thespool rotational information to determine the length as well as weightof the released cable 280.

The wind sensor 270 measures the speed of wind that is in the vicinityof the cable 280 and sends the wind speed measurement to the centralcontrol unit 250.

The force sensors 325 of the cable spool assembly 240 measure a strainor force that is exerted by the spool bracket 320 onto the mountingbracket 330. This force includes the weight of the spool bracket 320,the cable spool 300 together with any cable 280 that is wound around thecable spool 300, the spool motor 305, and the spool rotational sensor310. This force also includes any force that a wind exerts on thereleased cable 280. The force sensor 325 then transmits this forcemeasurement to the central control unit 250.

The force sensor 230 of the UAV 202 measures a strain or a force that isexerted by the cable 280 onto the UAV 202. This force includes theweight of the released cable 280, which is not wound around the spool300. This force also includes any force that a wind exerts on thereleased cable 280. The force sensor 230 then transmits the forcemeasurement to the central control unit 250 via the sensor signal wire.

In another implementation, the spool rotational sensor 310 is replacedby a distance measurement device that includes a transmitter for sendinga signal to the UAV 202 and a receiver for receiving a reflection of thesignal from the UAV 202 in order to determine the distance of the UVA202 from the measuring device.

One method of operating the UAV assembly 200 is provided below. Themethod allows the UAV 202 to be tethered to the UAV protection storagedevice 201, wherein the released cable between the UAV 202 is only a bitloose.

The method includes a step of the cable 280 being fully wrapped aroundthe cable spool 300.

The central control unit 250 then activates the spool motor 305 torotate the cable spool 300 for a predetermined period in order torelease the cable 280.

The central control unit 250 then checks to verify that the UAV 202 hasflown further and that the UAV 202 has taken up the weight of thereleased cable 280.

This check is performed by the central control unit 250, which receivesthe spool rotational information from the spool rotational sensor 310.

The central control unit 250 later computes the weight of the releasedcable 280 according to the received spool rotational information.

The central control unit 250 also receives the force measurement fromthe force sensor 230 of the UAV 202. The force measurement provides anindication of the weight of the released cable 280 being carried by theUAV 202.

Following this, the central control unit 250 compares the computedweight of the released cable 280 with the measurement from the UAV forcesensor 230.

The UAV force sensor measurement does not differ from the computedweight by a pre-determined amount, the central control unit 250considers that the UAV 202 has flown further and has taken up fully theweight of the released cable 280.

If the UAV force sensor measurement is less than the computed weight,the central control unit 250 considers that the UAV 202 has not taken upfully the weight of the released cable 280. In order words, the releasedcable is too loose. The central control unit 250 then activates thespool motor 305 to rotate the cable spool 300 in order to wrap or windthe cable 280 around the cable spool 300.

After this, the central control unit 250 checks whether more cableshould be released.

The central control unit 250 receives a force measurement from the forcesensor 325 of the cable spool assembly 240.

The central control unit 250 then compares the force measurement with apredetermined limit, which includes or account for the weight of thereleased cable 280.

If the force measurement exceeds the predetermined limit, the centralcontrol unit 250 considers that the released cable length is too shortand that the UAV 202 is pulling or stretching the cable 280. The centralcontrol unit 250 then activates the spool motor 305 to rotate the cablespool 300 in order to release the cable 280.

The desired final released cable length is determined according to amission requirement of the UAV 202.

This method aims to allow the released cable length for tethering of theUAV 202 to be just a bit loose. In other words, the released cablelength is slightly more than a separation distance between the UAV 202and the cable spool 300. This then allows the UAV 202 to operateproperly without any hindrance by the cable 280. The UAV 202 can have astable landing on a landing platform of the UAV protection storagedevice 201 and can have a stable take-off from the UAV protectionstorage device 201. Furthermore, the released cable is not so loose suchthat its weight is too heavy, thereby exerting an unnecessary burden onthe rotor motors 222 of the UAV 202.

In short, the tethering of the UAV 202 extends flying duration of theUAV 202. The tethering provides a safety flying limit for the UAV 202.

In another embodiment, the method includes a step of obtaining windspeed from the wind sensor 270.

The central control unit 250 then takes into account the effect of thewind speed for the above-mentioned steps.

FIG. 10 shows a force sensor 350 for the tethering assembly of FIG. 9.

The force sensor 350 includes a plurality of strain gauges 360 and ametal plate 370, which includes an external force reception area 380.

The force reception area 380 is used for received an external force,which acts to deform the metal plate 370 elastically by a small amountsuch that the deformed metal returns to its original shape when theexternal force is removed.

The strain gauges 360 are attached to metal plate 370 for measuring thisdeformation that is used to determine the strain exerted by the externalforce on the metal plate 370.

In another embodiment, this deformation or strain is measured bymeasuring a change of an electrical resistance of the deformed area.

FIG. 11 depicts an improved UAV assembly with an improved beacon unit.

FIG. 11 shows an improved beacon unit 400 for the UAV assembly of FIGS.1 to 8.

The beacon unit 400 includes a light module 410 with a camera module 420for guiding a UAV to a platform of a UAV protection storage device.

The light module 410 includes an infrared (IR) light source 430 withvisible light sources 440 and a cover plate 455. The infrared lightsource 430, the visible light sources 440, and the cover plate 455 aremounted on a top surface of the platform. The cover plate 455 includes aplurality of openings 460 and it is placed above the infrared lightsource 430 and the visible light sources 440.

The camera module 420 includes an infrared camera 470 and a visiblelight camera 480. The infrared camera 470 and the visible light camera480 are attached to the UAV.

In a general sense, the infrared camera 470 and the visible light camera480 can be provided in the form of a single integrated camera.

FIG. 13 shows a light pattern 550 of the beacon unit 400. The lightpattern 550 includes an infrared pattern and a visible light raypattern.

In use, the infrared light source 430 emits infrared light rays, whichpass through the openings 460 of the cover plate 455 to form theinfrared pattern, which is depicted in FIG. 13.

The infrared camera 470 senses the infrared pattern for guiding the UAVtowards the landing platform.

Similarly, the visible light sources 440 emit visible light rays, whichpass through the openings 460 of the cover plate 455 to form the visiblelight ray pattern, which is depicted in FIG. 13.

The visible light camera 480 senses the visible light pattern forguiding the UAV towards the landing platform.

The visible light rays and the infrared light rays have differentwavelengths, by way of an example of a graph 500 of FIG. 12. The graph500 shows a relationship of light intensity and wavelength of light raysof the beacon unit of FIG. 11.

The different types of light rays are used in different situations.

In the event of rain, which can block the infrared light rays and causedifficulty in detecting the infrared light rays, the visible light raysare used for guiding the UAV.

In the event of strong sunshine, which causes difficulty in detection ofthe visible lights, the infrared light rays are used for guiding theUAV.

In a further embodiment, the visible light rays are replaced by laserlight rays. The laser light rays are emitted coherently, therebyallowing them to be easily focused. The wavelength of the laser lightrays can be adapted or selected such the laser light rays can penetratecertain objects, such as haze or rain.

FIG. 14 depicts an improved UAV assembly with a UAV alignment unit.

FIG. 14 shows a UAV alignment unit 560 for a UAV landing platform of aUAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The alignment unit 560 includes a first set of alignment plates 563 aand 563 b with corresponding sliding mechanisms 565 a and 565 b and asecond set of alignment plates 567 a and 567 b with correspondingsliding mechanisms 569 a and 569 b. The first set is placed essentiallyat a right angle to the second set.

Referring to the first set, one side of each sliding mechanism 565 a and565 b is attached to an outer part of the UAV landing platform. Theplacement is done such that the sliding mechanisms 565 a and 565 b arefacing each other and are placed away from each other. Another side ofthe sliding mechanism 565 a and 565 b is mechanically connected to thecorresponding alignment plates 563 a and 563 b. The two alignment plates563 a and 563 b are placed essentially parallel to each other and theyare also placed above the UAV landing platform.

Similarly, referring to the second set, one side of each slidingmechanism 569 a and 569 b is attached to an outer part of the UAVlanding platform. The placement is done such that the sliding mechanisms569 a and 569 b are facing each other and are placed away from eachother. Another side of the sliding mechanism 569 a and 569 b ismechanically connected to the corresponding alignment plates 567 a and567 b. The two alignment plates 567 a and 567 b are placed essentiallyparallel to each other and they are also placed above the UAV landingplatform.

In use, the alignment unit 560 provides a resting position and analignment position.

In the resting position, the sliding mechanisms 565 a, 565 b, 569 a, and569 b move the associated alignment plates 563 a, 563 b, 567 a, and 567b towards outer parts of the UAV landing platform and away from an innerarea of the UAV landing platform.

The inner area of the UAV landing platform serves a landing pad for theUAV. The landing pad is intended for support the weight of the UAV.

If the UAV is not placed on the landing pad, covers of the UAVprotection storage device may not close properly in that parts of theUAV can block the closing of the covers. In practice, the UAV may landslightly away from the landing pad due to wind or other factors. Thealignment unit 560 advantageously acts to correct the position of theUAV.

In the alignment position, the sliding mechanisms 565 a, 565 b, 569 a,and 569 b move the associated alignment plates 563 a, 563 b, 567 a, and567 b towards the inner area of the UAV landing platform. This allowsthe alignment plates 563 a, 563 b, 567 a, and 567 b to push a UAV, whichhas landed on the UAV landing platform, towards the landing pad. The UAVmay not be placed precisely on the landing pad. The alignment plates 563a, 563 b, 567 a, and 567 b then act to push the UAV to the landing pad.

FIG. 15 depicts another improved UAV assembly with a further UAValignment unit.

FIG. 15 shows another UAV alignment unit 572 for a UAV landing platformof a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.The UAV alignment unit 572 provides a means of guiding the UAV towards aUAV landing pad.

The UAV alignment unit 572 is placed above the UAV landing platform. TheUAV alignment unit 572 includes a set of inclined outer walls 574, whichsurrounds a landing pad 576. Lower parts of the inclined outer walls 574are attached to the landing pad 576. The landing pad 576 can be providedas a part of the UAV landing platform.

In use, the land pad 576 serves as a receiving area for a UAV.

The inclined outer walls 574 act to push and guide the UAV toward theland pad 576. During landing, the UAV moves downward toward the land pad576. If the UAV is not positioned directly above the land pad 576, partsof the UAV can touch the inclined outer walls 574, wherein the inclinedouter walls 574 then guide the UAV toward the land pad 576.

FIG. 16 depicts a further improved UAV assembly with a further UAValignment unit.

FIG. 16 shows a further UAV alignment unit 580 for a UAV platform of aUAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8. TheUAV alignment unit 580 provides another means of guiding the UAV towardsa UAV landing pad.

The UAV alignment unit 580 is placed above the UAV landing platform. TheUAV alignment unit 580 includes a set of moveable outer walls 582, whichsurrounds a landing pad 584. Lower parts of the outer walls 582 areattached to the landing pad 584. Each outer wall 582 can pivot or rotateabout an area, which is placed essentially on the landing pad 584.

The landing pad 584 can be provided as a part of the UAV landingplatform.

In use, landing pad 584 serves as a receiving area for a UAV.

The outer walls 582 pivot outwards for receiving the UAV. The outerwalls 582 can also pivot inwards for pushing the received UAV toward thelanding pad 584.

FIG. 17 depicts an improved UAV assembly with a UAV position detectorunit.

FIG. 17 shows a UAV position detector unit 590 for a UAV landingplatform 592 of a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly ofFIGS. 1 to 8.

The UAV position detector unit 590 includes a set of weight sensors 595,which are placed below different outer parts of the UAV landing platform592.

In use, the UAV landing platform 592 acts to receive a UAV, wherein theUAV exerts its weight on parts of the landing platform 592.

The weight sensors 595 act to measure the weight being exerted on thedifferent corresponding outer parts of the landing platform 592.

The different readings of the weight sensors 595 act to determine theposition of the UAV, especially when the UAV is not positioned at itsdesired area. If the UAV position is at the desired position, it canblock the closing of covers of the UAV protection storage device.

FIGS. 17 and 18 depict an improved UAV assembly with a first UAV storagebox cover.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show a horizontally moveable cover 600 for an enclosurebox 602 of a UAV protection storage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS.1 to 8. The moving cover 600 is placed above the enclosure box 602.

The enclosure box 602 is adapted for housing a first UAV 604 and asecond UAV 606. The first UAV 604 the second UAV 606 are placedhorizontally and are placed next to each other. The enclosure box 602has an opening 607, which is placed at a top part of the enclosure box602. The opening 607 is configured for allowing the first UAV 604 andthe second UAV 606 to enter and to leave the enclosure box 602.

In a closed position, which is shown in FIG. 18, the moving cover 600 ismoved horizontally, such that it covers and encloses the opening 607.The moving cover 600, in this position, protects the first UAV 604 andthe second UAV 606 from the environment, such as dust, sand, rain, andsnow.

In a first open position, which is shown in FIG. 19, the moving cover600 is moved horizontally in one direction, such that it covers thefirst UAV 604, while allowing the second UAV 606 to leave the enclosurebox 602.

In a second open position, which is shown in FIG. 19, the moving cover600 is moved horizontally in the other direction, such that it coversthe second UAV 606, while allowing the first UAV 604 to leave theenclosure box 602.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 depict another improved UAV assembly with a secondUAV storage box cover.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show another cover 610 for a UAV protection storagedevice of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The UAV protection storage device includes an enclosure box with anopening, which is placed at a top part of the enclosure box. The openingis configured for allowing a UAV to enter and to leave the enclosurebox.

The cover 610 includes two rotatable lids 612.

Each lid 612 has a covering part 614 and two side parts 616.

In detail, the side parts 616 are placed opposite to each other. Eachside part 616 has a sector of a circle. The sector refers to an area ofthe circle that lies between two straight lines drawn from the center ofthe circle to the edge of the circle.

The covering part 614 has a shape of a rectangle with four sides. Thecovering part 614 has two parallel connection end parts and a rotatingend part with an overlapping end part. The connection end parts, therotating end part, and the overlapping end part are placed at outerportions of the covering part 614.

The rotating end part is placed opposite to the overlapping end partwhile both the rotating end part and the overlapping end part are placedat a right angle to the two connection end parts.

The parallel connection end parts of the covering part 614 are fixedlyconnected to the corresponding straight edges of the side parts 616 suchthe covering part 614 is placed at a right angle to the side parts 616.The covering part 614 and the side parts 616 form a “U” shape.

The rotating end part of the covering part 614 is rotatably connected tothe opening of the enclosure box.

In use, the cover 610 provides a closed position and an open position.

In the closed position, the lids 612 are rotated such that their twocovering parts 614 covers the opening of the enclosure box. Theoverlapping end parts of the two covering parts 614 are placed oppositeto each other.

In this position, the side parts 616 and the two covering parts 614 actto block effectively any snow, rain, or dust from entering the enclosurebox.

In the open position, the lids 612 are rotated such that any UAV canenter or leave the enclosure box.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 depict a further improved UAV assembly with a thirdUAV storage box cover.

FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 shows a further cover 620 for a UAV protectionstorage device of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The cover 620 includes two horizontally movable lids 622.

Each lid 622 includes a horizontal part 624 and a vertical part 626,which is connected to the horizontal part 624 such the horizontal part624 and the vertical part 626 form an “L” shape.

One lid 622 includes a rotatable end part 626, which is placed at an endpart of the horizontal part 624 of the lid 622.

In the use, the cover 620 provides a closed position and an openposition.

In the closed position, the lids 622 are moved horizontally such thattheir horizontal parts 624 cover a UAV opening of a UAV enclosure box ofthe UAV protection storage device.

Furthermore, the rotatable end part is rotated for covering any gapbetween the end parts of the horizontal parts 624.

In effect, this protects any UAV in the enclosure box from theenvironment, such as sand, dust, rain, or snow.

In the open position, the lids 622 are moved horizontally such thattheir horizontal parts 624 do not cover the UAV opening of a UAVenclosure box of the UAV protection storage device. In other words, thisallows a UAV to enter or leave the enclosure box.

FIG. 26 depicts an improved UAV assembly with surveillance cameras.

FIG. 26 shows a set of surveillance cameras 630 for a UAV protectionstorage device 632 of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8. The UAVprotection storage device 632 includes a UAV enclosure box.

The cameras 630 include an external camera 635 and an internal camera637. The internal camera 637 is placed in the enclosure box and isdirected at internal parts of the enclosure box.

The external camera 635 is placed outside of the enclosure box and it isdirected at the enclosure box.

In use, the enclosure box allows a UAV to enter the inside of theenclosure box and to leave the enclosure box.

The internal camera 637 is intended for observing the inside of theenclosure box, especially for any unwanted substance, such as dust,sand, rain, or snow, which has entered the box.

When UAV enter or leave the enclosure box, these unwanted substances mayenter the enclosure box. An operator can observe images from theinternal camera 637 and respond accordingly.

The external camera 635 is intended for observing the outside of theenclosure box. When the enclosure box is closed, some unwantedsubstance, such as dust, sand, rain, or snow, may collected on a toppart of the enclosure box. As an example, a few inches of snow may becollected on the enclosure box. These unwanted substances can affect theoperation of the enclosure box. Similarly, an operator can observeimages from the external camera 635 and respond accordingly.

FIG. 26 depicts an improved UAV assembly with weed killer sprayers.

FIG. 27 shows a set of weed killer sprayers 640 for a UAV protectionstorage device 642 of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The weed killer sprayers 640 are areas surrounding the UAV protectionstorage device 642.

In use, the UAV protection storage device 642 allows for deploying of aUAV, especially in remote places without human intervention over arelatively long period.

In some remotes places, especially the topics, plants and bushes cangrow around the UAV protection storage device 642 and even affect theoperation of the UAV protection storage device 642.

The sprayers 640 are intended for preventing these plants and bushesfrom growing around the UAV protection storage device 642. The sprayers640 are used for spraying weed killers or other suitable chemicals, inan automatic manner, for preventing this growth.

FIG. 28 depicts an improved UAV assembly with an animal electric fence.

FIG. 28 shows an electric fence 650 surrounding a UAV protection storagedevice 655 of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The electric fence 650 provides electric shocks to deter animals orpeople from touching the UAV protection storage device 655.

This especially useful when deploying the UAV protection storage device655 in places, where animals roam and are likely to come near the UAVprotection storage device 655.

FIG. 29 depicts a network of sensors, which includes a UAV sensor of aUAV of the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

FIG. 29 shows a network 660 of sensors. The network 660 includes aplurality of sensors and a computer server 662 being communicativelyconnected with the sensors by a cloud connection 664.

The computer server 662 includes a display terminal 662T with akeyboard. The cloud connection 664 includes an Internet connection,which allows accessing data and software programs, which are stored at aremote location.

The multiple sensors include a sensor 667S of a wearable device 667, asensor 669S of a fixed Internet device 669, and a UAV sensor 670S of aUAV of a UAV assembly 670.

The UAV sensor 670S is communicatively connected to the wearable device667 and to the fixed Internet device 669. The fixed Internet device 669is communicatively connected to the computer server 662.

The UAV assembly 670 includes a UAV protection storage device 672 beingcommunicatively connected to a UAV 674, which includes the UAV sensor670S.

In use, the wearable device 667, the fixed Internet device 669, and theUAV assembly 670 cooperate to send sensor data to the computer server662.

This cooperation is adapted such that the network 660 allows data fromthe sensor 667S to be sent by different data routes to the computerserver 662. This data can sent be from the sensor 667S, to the wearabledevice 667, to the UAV protection storage device 672, to the fixedInternet device 669, and to the computer server 662. Alternatively, thedata can also be sent from the sensor 667S, to the wearable device 667,to the fixed Internet device 669, and to the computer server 662.

Similarly, data from the sensor 674S can be sent by different dataroutes to the computer server 662. The data can be sent from the sensor674S, to the UAV 674, to the UAV protection storage device 672, to thefixed Internet device 669, and to the computer server 662.Alternatively, the sensor data can be sent from the sensor 674 s, to theUAV 674, to the UAV protection storage device 672, to the wearabledevice 667, to the fixed Internet device 669, and to the computer server662.

In effect, the different possible data routes allow the network 660 tobe robust in that if one data route, such as route A, which is shown inFIG. 29, is broken, the data can still be transmitted by other routes,such route B or C, which is shown in FIG. 29.

The computer server 662 can also be configured to activate the UAVassembly 670 to launch the UAV 674 to collect additional data, when datafrom the wearable device 667 and/or the fixed Internet device 669indicate the need for the additional data.

As an example, the computer server 662 detects a fire in a particulararea, according to the data from the wearable device 667 and fixedInternet device 669. The computer server 662 can then activate the UAVassembly 670 to launch the UAV 674 to obtain surveillance images of thisarea to confirm the presence of fire and obtain additional informationfor responding appropriately and speedily to the fire.

Put differently, the UAV 674 is used to obtain UAV sensor data. Thesensor data is then sent to the computer server 662, which acts a sensordata center,

The UAV assembly 670 also serves a redundancy supporting real world datacollection device for enhancing overall data collection.

The UAV 674 is used to increase redundancy of Internet connections forincreased transmission capability should single data lines be unstableor lost.

FIG. 30 shows an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) storage box 700. The UAVstorage box 700 includes a communication module 710, a plurality of UAVhangar modules 730, and a power storage module 760.

As better seen in FIG. 31, these modules 710, 730, and 760 are arrangedin a vertical stack. The communication module 710 is placed above theUAV hangar modules 730 while the UAV hangar modules 730 are placed abovethe power storage module 760. The communication module 710, the UAVhangar modules 730, and the power storage module 760 are also connectedby multiple data or power connectors 766.

FIG. 32 depicts one UAV hangar module 730. The UAV hangar module 730includes a UAV container 740, a movable UAV landing platform 790, and aUAV landing platform extension mechanism 770.

The UAV container 740 is connected to the UAV platform extensionmechanism 770, which is connected to the UAV landing platform 790.

The hangar module 730 is adapted such that it provides a storage stateand a UAV landing or takeoff state. In the storage state, the UAVplatform extension mechanism 770 and the UAV landing platform 790 arepositioned inside the UAV container 740. In the landing state, the UAVplatform extension mechanism 770 moves the UAV landing platform 790outside the UAV container 740.

The UAV container 740 includes three fixed vertical side panels 741 andone movable vertical side panel 742.

As shown in FIG. 33, the container 740 also includes a magnetic lock745. The magnetic lock 745 includes a magnet 747 and an armature plate749. The armature plate 749 is fixed on the movable side panel 742 whilethe magnet 747 is fixed to one fixed side panel 741.

As better seen in FIGS. 33, 34, and 35, the UAV platform extensionmechanism 770 includes a first telescopic slide rail 782 with a secondtelescopic slide rail 882, and a slide rail actuator module 772.

The first telescopic slide rail 782 is connected to one fixed side panel741 while the second telescopic slide rail 882 is connected to anotherfixed side panel 741, which placed opposite to the first side panel 741.This is done such that the first telescopic slide rail 782 and thesecond telescopic slide rail 882 are placed opposite and parallel toeach other, and are also placed at the same level.

In detail, the first telescopic slide rail 782 includes a fixed firstrail member 784, a displaceable second rail member 786, and adisplaceable third rail member 788.

The first rail member 784 is mounted horizontally to one fixed sidepanel of the container 740. The second rail member 786 is slidablyconnected to the first rail member 784 such that the second rail member786 is movable horizontally. Similarly, the third rail member 788 isslidably connected to the second rail member 786 such that third railmember 788 is movable horizontally. An outer end of the third railmember 788 is attached to a part of the inner side of the movable sidepanel 742.

Likewise, the second telescopic slide rail 882 includes a fixed firstrail member 884, a displaceable second rail member 886, and adisplaceable third rail member 888. The second telescopic slide rail 882and the first telescopic slide rail 782 are arranged similarly.

The slide rail actuator module 772 includes a main horizontally movableslide rail actuator 773 and a backup horizontally slide rail actuator775, which is arranged similarly to the main slide rail actuator 773.

The main slide rail actuator 773 includes a first elongated arm 778, asecond elongated arm 779, and a rotary actuator 775. A distal end of thefirst arm 778 is pivotably connected to a part of the inner side of themovable side panel 742 while a proximal end of the first arm 778 ispivotably connected to a distal end of the second arm 779. A proximalend of the second arm 779 is connected to the rotary actuator 775, whichis fixed on a part of the container 740.

As better seen in FIGS. 36, 37, 38, and 39, the movable UAV landingplatform 790 includes a first landing unit 792, a second landing unit892, and a beacon unit 731. The beacon unit 731 is placed between thefirst landing unit 792 and the secand landing unit 892 and is alsoplaced in proximity of the first landing unit 792 and the second landingunit 892.

The first landing unit 792 and the second landing unit 892 are locatedat a distance above the ground, which is greater than a predeterminedUAV landing height.

The first landing unit 792 includes two opposing UAV landing surfaces,namely a first UAV landing surface 795 and a second UAV landing surface895. The first landing surface 795 is connected to a part of the thirdrail member 788 of the first telescopic slide rail 782 while the secondlanding surface 895 is connected to a part of the third rail member 888of the second telescopic slide rail 882.

The opposing UAV landing surfaces 795 and 895 are inclined such thatthese surfaces 795 and 895 do not touch each other. In other words, agap or space is present between the surfaces 795 and 895. The surfaces795 and 895 are also adapted for receiving and guiding a landing UAV toa predetermined position.

A UAV power supply charging element is placed on each of the surfaces795 and 895.

Likewise, the second landing unit 892 includes two opposing landingsurfaces 796 and 896. The second landing unit 892 and the first landingunit 792 are arranged similarly.

The beacon unit 731 includes one or more infrared (IR) light sources.

As better seen in FIGS. 41 and 42, the communication module 710 includesa container 711 with an inclined lid 712, a solar panel 715, a weathersensor 718, an antenna 721, a controller unit 723, a modem unit 727, anda battery pack 735. The solar panel 715, the weather sensor 718, and theantenna 721 are placed outside the container 711 while the controllerunit 723, the modem unit 727, and the battery pack 735 are placed insidethe container 711.

In detail, the solar panel 715 is placed above and next to the lid 712and is electrically connected to the battery pack 735.

The antenna 721 is electrically connected to the modem unit 727, whichis electrically connected to the controller unit 723. The weather senor718 is also electrically connected to the controller unit 723. Thecontroller unit 723 is also electrically connected to the beacon unit731 of each UAV hangar module 730.

As better seen in FIG. 31, the power storage module 760 includes a powerstorage container 762, a battery unit 765, a fuel cell unit 768, and afuel tank 771. The battery unit 765, the fuel cell unit 768, and thefuel tank 771 are placed inside the power storage container 762.

The fuel tank 771 is connected to the fuel cell unit 768, which iselectrically connected to the battery unit 765. The battery unit 765 isalso electrically connected to parts of the communication module 710,and to parts of the UAV hangar module 730 via data or power connectors766.

In use, the controller unit 723 serves to manage or direct parts of theUAV hanger module 730 and parts of the communication module 710.

Each UAV hangar module 730 provides a platform for an UVA to land. TheUAV hangar module 730 can then store and protect the UAV as well aselectrically charge a battery of the UAV. The UAV hangar module 730 alsoallows the UAV to take off.

The UAV container 740 provides a container open state. In the containeropen state, the movable side panel 742 is placed apart from the threefixed panels 741.

In detail, the controller unit 723 activates the slide rail actuator 773to extend the telescopic slide rails 782 and 882.

In the extension state, the rotary actuator 775 is activated to rotatethe second arm 779, which moves the first arm 778 such that the firstarm 778 moves the movable side panel 742 away from the fixed verticalside panels 741. Put differently, the container 740 is placed in an openstate.

This rotation extends the first telescopic slide rail 782, wherein thethird rail member 788 and the second rail member 786 are slid away fromthe first rail member 784. Similarly, this rotation extends the secondtelescopic slide rail 882, wherein the third rail member 888 and thesecond rail member 886 are slid away from the first rail member 884.

The telescopic slide rails 782 and 882 are extended such that the UAVlanding platform 790 is away from the UAV container 740 to a landingposition for receiving a UAV. In other words, the UAV landing platform790 is exposed for receiving the UAV.

The beacon unit 731 acts to guide the UAV to the landing surfaces 785and 795.

The landing portions of the landing surfaces 785 and 795 of the landingplatform 790 act as areas for receiving the UAV, wherein theinclinations of these landing surfaces 785 and 795 are intended forcontacting the landing UAV and for guiding the landing UAV to apredetermined landing position.

The landing surfaces 785 and 795 are arranged such that the landingsurfaces 785 and 795 are positioned away from propellers of the UAV suchthat the landing surfaces 785 and 795 do not block downward air thrustfrom the propellers.

In general, the parts of the UAV hangar module 730 are also arranged toprovide gaps or openings for allowing the downward air thrust to passthrough these openings of the hangar module parts without the partsessentially blocking the downward air thrust. In other words, the UAVhangar module 730 does not obstruct the downward air thrust.

The first landing unit 792 and the second landing unit 892 are alsoplaced above the predetermined UAV landing height such that the UAV issufficiently far away from the ground, wherein the ground does notessentially affect or interfere with the downward airflow, which isgenerated by the UAV.

In short, the ground does not cause a density of the air, which isplaced between the rotors of the landing UAV and the ground, to increaseand to reduce the downward airflow.

After the UAV has landed, the UAV is moved into the UAC container 740.

In detail, the controller unit 723 activates the slide rail actuator 773to retract the first telescopic slide rails 782 and 882.

In the retraction state, the rotary actuator 775 is activated to rotatethe second arm 779, which moves the first arm 778 such that the firstarm 778 moves the movable side panel 742 towards the fixed vertical sidepanels 741. Put differently, the container 740 is placed in a closedstate.

This rotation also retracts the first telescopic slide rail 782, whereinthe third rail member 788 and the second rail member 786 are slid towardthe first rail member 784. Similarly, this rotation retracts the secondtelescopic slide rail 882, wherein the third rail member 888 and thesecond rail member 886 are slid toward the first rail member 884.

The telescopic slide rails 782 and 882 are retracted such that the UAVlanding platform 790 with the UVA is placed inside the UAV container740.

The magnet 747 is later locked onto the armature plate 749 to fix themovable side panel 742 to the fixed side panels 741.

The modem unit 727 is used for converting received data from thecontroller unit 723 to radio signals for transmitting to the antenna712. The antenna 721 then transmits the radio signals. The antenna 721can also receive radio signals from other sources. The modem unit 727then converts the received radio signals from the antenna 721 to digitaldata for transmitting to the controller unit 723.

Referring to the communication module 710, the solar panel 715 acts toconvert light energy from the sun into electrical energy for storing inthe battery pack 735. The stored electrical energy in the battery packed735 can later be used for powering parts of the communication module 710and parts of the UAV hangar modules 730.

The fuel tank 771 is used for storing fuel such as hydrogen. The fuelcell unit 768 then converts the fuel to electrical energy for storing inthe battery unit 765.

The controller unit 723 directs the battery unit 765 to provideelectrical energy to the UAV power supply charging elements of thelanding surfaces 785 and 795 for charging the battery of the UAV.

The data or power connectors 766 are intended for carrying data betweenthe controller unit 723 and parts of the UAV hanger modules 730. Thedata or power connectors 766 also serve to carry electrical power fromthe battery unit 765 to parts of the UAV hanger module 730 and parts ofthe communication module 710.

The weather sensor 718 is intended for detecting weather data, such aspresence of rain or snow and for transmitting the weather information tothe controller unit 723 for decision-making.

FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of UAV storage box 700 a. The UAVstorage box 700 a includes a communication module 710 a, a plurality ofUAV hangar modules 730 a, and a power storage module 760 a.

Each of these modules 710 a, 730 a and 760 a includes a container 711 a,740 a, and 762 a. The containers 711 a, 740 a, and 762 a have differentsizes and are arranged in a vertical stack. These modules are alsoconnected by multiple data or power connectors 766 a.

Different implementations of the UAV storage box 700 are posBible. Asseen in FIG. 44, a further UAV hangar module 730 b includes a container740 b with multiple movable landing platforms 790 b for receivingseveral UAVs and for storing the received UAVs. The UAV platformextension mechanism 770 can be implemented with other mechanisms.

The UAV storage box 700 provides several benefits.

The UAV hangar module 730 improves UAV landing stability of the UAVhangar module 730. In other words, the UAV hangar module 730 allows theUAV to land, wherein the downward thrust of the UAV does not affect thelanding of the UAV.

The UAV hangar module 730 can be added to and be removed from the UAVstorage box 700 according to operational requirement.

A UAV hangar module 730 can be removed away from the UAV storage box 700to another site for repair or maintenance without affecting operation ofthe rest of the UAV storage box 700.

FIG. 45 shows a further UAV landing platform 30 a for a UAV protectionstorage device of the UAV assembly of one of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The movable landing platform 30 a includes a plurality of openings orslots 30 a-1. In one implementation, the slots 30 a-1 are provided by awire mesh.

In use, the UAV protection storage device is used for receiving andstoring a vertical take-off and landing Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) withpropellers or rotors.

The energized UAV rotors generates a downward thrust for moving the UAV.

The landing platform 30 a can be positioned in an elevated position andin a storing position. The elevated position is also called a landingposition.

In the elevated position, the slots 30 a-1 of the landing platform 30 aallow an airflow of a downward thrust of a UAV, which is landing ortaking off, to pass through the landing platform 30 a withoutessentially affecting or interfering with the airflow.

The UAV landing platform 30 a is also positioned higher than apredetermined in-ground-effect height. A UAV, which is landing, moves,in a downward manner, towards the UAV landing platform 30 a. This landUAV is then positioned above the predetermined in-ground-effect height.

The height of the landing platform 30 a allows the landing UAV to beseparated from the protection storage device such that the protectionstorage device or the ground does not affect the airflow of the downwardthrust of the UAV. In other words, the protection storage device or theground does not cause a density of air, which is placed between the UAVrotors and the protection storage device or between the UAV rotors andthe ground, to increase in density. The increase of density can affectthe airflow of the downward thrust of the UAV. This, in turn, affectsthe landing or the takeoff of the UAV.

In short, this landing platform 30 a acts to eliminate or reduce theground effect.

FIGS. 46 and 47 show a UAV landing and docking system 900 with a UAVelectrical power charging system for the UAV assembly of FIGS. 1 to 8.

The landing and docking system 900 includes two gendered pieces, namelya UAV landing platform 903 and corresponding legs of a UAV 908. Thelanding platform 903 and the UAV legs includes corresponding portions,which are adapted to mate or contact with each other.

The UAV landing platform 903 includes a movable basket receptacle 911,which includes four trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 d, anda supporting stand 915 with a vertically moving arm 917. One end of thearm 917 is fixed to the receptacle 911.

Each trapezium plate 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 d has two paralleledges and two non-parallel edges, wherein one parallel edge is shorterthat the other parallel edge. The four trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b,913 c, and 913 d are joined to form a shape of an inverted pyramidfrustum.

In detail, a non-parallel edge of each trapezium plate 913 a, 913 b, 913c, and 913 d is joined to an adjacent non-parallel edge of anothertrapezium plate 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 d. Shorter edges of fourtrapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 d form a first rectanglewhile longer edges of the four trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and913 d form a second rectangle. The second rectangle is larger than thefirst rectangle.

The receptacle 911 is also oriented such that the second rectangle isplaced above the first rectangle. The trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913c, and 913 d are inclined at a predetermined angle to a horizontalplane.

In short, the receptacle 911 is shaped like an inverted pyramid with itspeak shaved off so that the pyramid has a flat bottom.

Referring to the UAV 908, it includes two legs 906, which are attachedto a lower part of a body of the UAV 908. The UAV legs 906 are adaptedto correspond with the trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 dof the receptacle 911.

Referring to the electrical power charging system, it includes twoelectrical power connectors 920 and corresponding two electrical powerpins 922. The electrical power connectors 920 are placed at respectivecorners of the lower first rectangle of the receptacle 911.

The electrical power connectors 920 are connected to an electrical powersupply via a polarity control circuit 921.

When the UAV 908 is moving towards the landing platform 903, the legs906 of the UAV 908 can contact with the plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and913 d of the receptacle 911.

The inclinations of the plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and 913 d act toguide the legs 906 of the UAV 908 towards the smaller lower firstrectangle, which acts as a predetermined landing platform. In otherwords, the receptacle 911 acts to center or guide the UAV 908 to thepredetermined landing position. Put differently, the UAV 908 attempts toland within the receptacle 911. The legs 906 of the UAV 908 are thenguided or are funneled by gravity to the flat bottom portion of thereceptacle 911.

Once at the bottom of the receptacle 911, the electrical power pins 922connects with the electrical power connectors 920.

The connection enables transfer of electrical energy, via the electricalpower pins 922 and via the electrical power connectors 920, to a batteryof the UAV 908.

Due to geometry of the receptacle 911, the landing UAV 908 can have onlytwo landing positions.

The polarity control circuit 921 acts to switch electrical polarityelectrical current delivered to the UAV 908 such the battery of the UAV908 is connected correctly to the power supply.

In a general sense, the receptacle can have other shapes, instead of theinverted pyramid frustum.

This landing and docking system and UAV electrical power charging systemprovides several benefits.

The landing and docking system acts to reduce or eliminate instances offailed landing attempts due to ground effect.

The ground effect is generated by a downward airflow of rotors of theUAV 908, wherein this airflow produces a cushion like effect, whichreduces accuracy & repeatability of landing of the UAV 908.

The receptacle 911 allows the UAV 908 to land with a safe verticaldescent velocity. In other words, the UAV 908 does not suffer hardlanding, which can damage the UAV 908.

Human intervention is not needed to align the UAV 908 to the landing anddocking system. Put differently, the UAV 908 does skid, wherein humanintervention is required to reposition the UAV.

A human operator is not needed to manually plug in or connect the UAV908 for electrically charging the UAV 908 and for data transfer.

The UAV 908 is always connected correctly to direction of an electricalcurrent flowing from the receptacle 911 to the UAV 908.

In a further embodiment, the trapezium plates 913 a, 913 b, 913 c, and913 d include openings. The openings allow airflow of downward thrust ofpropellers or the UAV 908 to pass through the receptacle 911 for furtherreducing or avoiding ground effect.

FIGS. 48 and 49 show a further receptacle 911-1 of the UAV landing anddocking system of FIG. 46.

The receptacle 911-1 includes extendable trapezium plates 913 a-1, 913b-1, 913 c-1, and 913 d-1.

The trapezium plates 913 a-1, 913 b-1, 913 c-1, and 913 d-1 allowchanging length and breadth of the receptacle 911-1, as shown in FIG.49.

This enables the size of a UAV landing platform 925-1 of the receptacle911-1 to be changed, according to a size of a landing UAV, when needed.

FIGS. 50, 51, and 52 shows another receptacle 911-2 of the UAV landingand docking system of FIG. 46.

The receptacle 911-2 includes extendable trapezium plates 913 a-2, 913b-2, 913 c-2, and 913 d-2.

The trapezium plates 913 a-2, 913 b-2, 913 c-2, and 913 d-2 allowchanging length or breadth of the receptacle 911-1, as shown in FIGS. 51and 52.

FIGS. 53 and 54 show an improved landing system 930 for the UAV assemblyof FIGS. 1 to 8. The UAV assembly includes a UAV protection storagedevice 932 and a UAV 931.

The landing system 930 includes a ground flight transmitter 933 and aUAV flight receiver 936. The ground flight transmitter 933 is wirelesslyand is communicatively connected with the UAV flight receiver 936. Theground flight transmitter 933 is provided as a part of the protectionstorage device 932 while the flight receiver 936 is provided as a partthe UAV 931.

The ground flight transmitter 933 includes a low-latency flightcontroller 938, a wind speed sensor 940, a wind direction sensor 942, ahigh-speed camera 944, and a wireless flight instruction transmitter946. The flight controller 938 is electrically connected to the windspeed sensor 940, to the wind direction sensor 942, to the camera 944,and to the wireless flight instruction transmitter 946. The camera 944is placed below a receptacle of the 932

The UAV flight receiver 936 includes a wireless UAV flight instructionreceiver 950, a UAV beacon unit 951, and a UAV controller 952. The UAVbeacon unit 951 is placed a bottom part of the UAV 931. The wirelessflight instruction receiver 950 is wirelessly connected with the flightinstruction transmitter 946 and is electrically connected with the UAVcontroller 952.

In use, the UAV beacon unit 951 generates light signals for easydetection of the UAV 931.

The camera 944 captures images of light signals of the UAV beacon unit951 sends the image data to the flight controller 938.

The wind speed sensor 940 detects speed of wind at its location andsends wind speed data to the flight controller 938.

The wind direction sensor 942 detects direction of the wind and sendswind direction data to the flight controller 938.

The flight controller 938 then determines location of the UAV accordingto the received image data.

The flight controller 938 also then determines UAV flight instructionsfor allow the UAV 931 to land on a part of the protection storage box932, in a safe and accurate manner. The flight instructions aredetermined according to the received wind speed data, to the receivedwind direction data, and to the determined UAV location data.

The flight controller 938 later sends the determined UAV flightinstructions to the flight instruction transmitter 946 for sending out.

The UAV flight instruction receiver 950 afterward receives thetransmitted UAV flight instructions and then sends it the UAV controller952.

The UAV controller 952 then changes speed and direction of the UAV 931according to the flight instruction.

This landing system 930 provides several advantages.

The landing system 930 uses wind speed and wind direction data to makeUAV flight instructions, which is important, especially in windyconditions.

The landing system 930 allows reduction of UAV payload, since the UAV931 does not need to carry a camera for detecting landing platform.Instead, the landing platform has a camera for detecting the UAV 931, inorder to provide flight instructions for the UAV 931 to land on thelanding platform.

The reduction of payload can result in improved UAV performance andflight time.

The embodiments can also be described with the following lists offeatures or elements being organized into several item lists. Therespective combinations of features, which are disclosed in the itemlists, are regarded as independent subject matter, respectively, thatcan also be combined with other features of the application.

[Item List 1, Basket Receptacle]

-   1. A protection storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Aerial    Vehicle (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV,    -   a moveable UAV landing platform, and    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   2. The storage unit according to item 2, wherein the UAV receptacle    comprises a shape of inverted pyramid frustum.-   3. The storage unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein the UAV    landing platform comprises a pair of UAV electrical power connector    for connecting with a battery of the landing UAV.-   4. The storage unit according to one of the items 1 to 3, wherein    the UAV receptacle comprises an extendable surface for adapting a    dimension of the UAV receptacle according to a corresponding    dimension of the landing UAV.-   5. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items,    wherein the UAV landing platform providing a landing position and a    storing position,    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   6. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   7. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit being provided for guiding the UAV to        the UAV landing platform, the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   8. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   9. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   10. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   11. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   12. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing (or        reaching) the storage unit.-   13. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items,    wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and a second        sliding cover for allowing the UAV to ingress into the container        and to egress from the container and for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 2, Ground Effect]

-   1. A protection storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Air Vehicle    (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV, and    -   a moveable UAV landing platform, the UAV landing platform        providing a landing position and a storing position,    -   wherein,        -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is            positioned for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV            landing platform essentially does not block a downward            thrust of the UAV, wherein the UAV landing platform is            positioned a predetermined height, which prevents the ground            from affecting the downward thrust of the UAV, and        -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are            positioned inside the container.-   2. The storage unit according to item 1, wherein the UAV landing    platform further comprises at least a pair of landing surfaces.-   3. The storage unit according to item 2, Wherein the landing    surfaces comprises portions for contacting the landing UAV and for    guiding the landing UAV to a predetermined landing position.-   4. The storage unit according to item 2 or 3, wherein the landing    surfaces further comprises an electrical charging element for    charging a battery of the UAV (when the UAV is positioned inside the    container).-   5. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 4 further    comprising    -   an extension and retraction mechanism for moving the UAV landing        platform.-   6. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 5 further    comprising    -   a further container that stores a communication module.-   7. The storage unit according to item 6, wherein the container that    stores the communication module is placed above the container that    stores the UAV.-   8. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 6 further    comprising    -   another container that stores an electrical energy storage        module.-   9. The storage unit according to item 8, wherein the container that    stores the electrical energy storage module is placed below the    container that stores the UAV.-   10. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   11. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   12. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit (being provided for guiding the UAV        to the UAV landing platform), the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   13. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   14. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for        -   energizing the spool motor for rotating the spool according            to the force measurement and to the spool rotational data.-   15. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   16. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   17. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items    further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   18. The storage unit according to one of the abovementioned items,    wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 3, UAV Alignment Unit]

-   1. A (protection) storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Aerial    Vehicle (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV,    -   a moveable UAV landing platform, and    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   2. The storage unit according to item 1, wherein the UAV alignment    unit comprises a positional detector for determining a position of    the UAV, which has landed on the UAV landing platform.-   3. The storage unit according to item 2, wherein the positional    detector comprising a weight sensor.-   4. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 3, wherein    -   the UAV alignment unit comprises at least one of a group        consisting of at least one plate for pushing the UAV, at least        two fixed inclined walls for guiding the UAV, and at least two        moveable inclined walls for guiding the UAV to the predetermined        landing area.-   5. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   6. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   the UAV landing platform provides a landing position and a        storing position, wherein,        -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is            positioned for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV            landing platform essentially does not block a downward            thrust of the UAV, wherein the UAV landing platform is            positioned a predetermined height, which prevents the ground            from affecting the downward thrust of the UAV, and        -   an the storing position, the UAV landing platform are            positioned inside the container.-   7. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit (being provided for guiding the UAV        to the UAV landing platform), the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   8. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   9. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor (being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor) providing a measurement of a force being            exerted by the electrical utility cable onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   10. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with an internal monitoring camera        being directed for taking internal images of the storage unit.-   11. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   12. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing (or        reaching) the storage unit.-   13. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 4, Beam Unit]

-   1. A protection storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),    the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV,    -   a moveable UAV landing platform, and    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit being provided for guiding the UAV to        the UAV landing platform, the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   2. The storage unit according to item 1, wherein the beacon unit    further comprises    -   a visible light cover plate, which comprises at least one opaque        areas for blocking the visible light rays of the visible light        ray source and at least one transparent area, such that the        visible light rays travel through the visible light cover plate        to form a first predetermined guidance pattern.-   3. The storage unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein the beacon    unit further comprises    -   an infrared cover plate, which comprises at least one opaque        area and at least one transparent area for blocking parts of the        infrared light rays of the infrared light ray source, such that        the infrared light rays travel through the infrared light cover        plate to form a second predetermined guidance pattern.-   4. The storage unit according to one of the items 1 to 3, wherein    -   the visible light ray source is adapted to generate at least one        laser light ray with a visible light wavelength.-   5. The storage unit according to one of the items 1 to 4, wherein    -   the infrared light ray source is adapted to generate at least        one laser light ray with an infrared light wavelength.-   6. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 5, wherein    -   the UAV landing platform provides a landing position and a        storing position, wherein,        -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is            positioned for the UAV to land and to take-off, and        -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform is            positioned inside the container.]-   7. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   8. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items, wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   9. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   10. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   11. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   12. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   13. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers (being positioned in the vicinity        of the container) for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   14. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   15. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items, wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for allowing the UAV to ingress into the container        and to egress from the container and for enclosing the UAV.        [Item List 5, Camera on landing platform and beacon unit on UAV]-   1. A (protection) storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),    the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV,    -   a UAV guidance camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal        from the UAV.    -   a moveable UAV landing platform, and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the UAV guidance camera and        for sending out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   2. The storage unit according to item 1 further comprising    -   a wind speed detector, wherein    -   the UAV guidance controller is further adapted for generating        the UAV flight instruction according to wind speed data from the        wind speed detector.-   3. The storage unit according to item 1 or 2 further comprising    -   a wind direction detector, wherein    -   the UAV guidance controller is further adapted for generating    -   the UAV flight instruction according to wind direction data from        the wind direction detector.-   4. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 3 further    comprising    -   a wireless transmitter for sending out the UAV flight        instruction (to the UAV).-   5. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   6. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   7. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   8. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit being provided for guiding the UAV to        the UAV landing platform, the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   9. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   10. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   11. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   12. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   13. The storage unit according to one of above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 6, Tethering]

-   1. A protection storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),    the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV,    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   2. The storage unit according to item 1, wherein the container    comprises a moveable cover for allowing the UAV to ingress into the    container and to egress from the container.-   3. The storage unit according to item 2, wherein the moveable cover    is adapted for rotating about a hinge.-   4. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 3, wherein    -   the electrical utility cable further comprises a sensor        electrical wire for transferring the force measurement from the        cable force sensor to the spool controller.-   5. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 4, wherein    -   the electrical utility cable further comprises a metal shield        for enclosing the power supply electrical wire.-   6. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 5, wherein    -   the cable force sensor comprises a wireless transmitter for        sending the force measurement wirelessly to the spool        controller.-   7. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 6, wherein    -   the storage unit electrical power source comprises a power inlet        for receiving electrical energy from a land vehicle electrical        power supply.-   8. The storage unit according to one of items 1 to 7, wherein    -   the tethering assembly further comprises a bracket for        supporting the spool and a part of the electrical utility cable        that is wound around the spool.-   9. The storage unit according to item 8, wherein the tethering    assembly further comprises    -   at least one bracket force sensor for connecting the bracket to        a support area, the bracket force sensor providing a measurement        of a force being exerted by the bracket onto the support area,        and wherein    -   the spool controller is adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to said measurement from the        bracket force sensor.-   10. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   11. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   12. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   13. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit being provided for guiding the UAV to        the UAV landing platform, the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   14. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   15. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   16. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   17. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items    further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   18. The storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items,    wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 7, Camera]

-   1. A protection storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Aerial    Vehicle (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV, and    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   2. The protection storage unit according to item 1 further    comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   3. The protection storage unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   4. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   5. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit being provided for guiding the UAV to        the UAV landing platform, the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   6. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   7. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for        -   energizing the spool motor for rotating the spool according            to the force measurement and to the spool rotational data.-   8. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   9. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   10. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items, wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 8, Weed Killer]

-   1. A protection storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Aerial    Vehicle (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV, and    -   a set of weed killer sprayers (being positioned in the vicinity        of the container) for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   2. The protection storage unit according to item 1 further    comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   3. The protection storage unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   4. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   5. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit (being provided for guiding the UAV        to the UAV landing platform), the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   6. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   7. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   8. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   9. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   10. The protection storage unit according to one of the    bove-mentioned items, wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 9, Electric Fence]

-   1. A protection storage unit for enclosing an Unmanned Aerial    Vehicle (UAV), the storage unit comprising    -   a container for enclosing the UAV, and    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.-   2. The protection storage unit according to item 1 further    comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   3. The protection storage unit according to item 1 or 2, wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   4. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   5. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit (being provided for guiding the UAV        to the UAV landing platform), the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   6. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   7. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   8. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   9. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers (being positioned in the vicinity        of the container) for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   10. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items, wherein    -   the container comprises a first sliding cover and with a second        sliding cover for enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 10, Drone Box]

-   1. A protection storage unit for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),    the storage unit comprising    -   a container with a first sliding cover and with a second sliding        cover for enclosing the UAV.-   2. The protection storage unit according to item 1 further    comprising    -   a rain sensor.-   3. The protection storage unit according to item 1 or 2 further    comprising    -   a lift assembly with a UAV platform for carrying the UAV.-   4. The protection storage unit according to item 3 further    comprising    -   a beacon unit being provided on the UAV platform for guiding the        UAV to the UAV platform.-   5. The protection storage unit according to item 3 or 4 further    comprising    -   a wireless charging unit being provided on the UAV platform for        providing electrical energy to the UAV.-   6. The protection storage unit according to one of abovementioned    items further comprising    -   a tempering vibration sensor.-   7. The protection storage unit according to one of abovementioned    items further comprising    -   a Global Positioning Unit (GPS) unit for determining positional        data of the storage unit.-   8. The protection storage unit according to one of abovementioned    items further comprising    -   a controller (central control unit) for controlling (parts of)        the storage unit).-   9. The protection storage unit according to one of abovementioned    items further comprising    -   an electrical energy storage for (storing and) providing        electrical energy to (parts of) the storage unit (and/or the        UAV).-   10. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a communication unit for exchanging data (with the UAV or with        an external unit).-   11. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV receptacle being positioned above the UAV landing        platform, the UAV receptacle comprising at least one inclined        surface for guiding a landing UAV to a predetermined UAV landing        position on the UAV landing platform.-   12. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items, wherein    -   in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positioned        for the UAV to land and to take-off, the UAV landing platform        essentially does not block a downward thrust of the UAV, wherein        the UAV landing platform is positioned a predetermined height,        which prevents the ground from affecting the downward thrust of        the UAV, and    -   in the storing position, the UAV landing platform are positioned        inside the container.-   13. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV alignment unit being adapted for pushing the UAV, which is        positioned on the UAV landing platform, to a predetermined        landing area of the moveable UAV landing platform.-   14. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a UAV guidance beacon unit (being provided for guiding the UAV        to the UAV landing platform), the UAV guidance beacon comprising        -   a visible light ray source and        -   an infrared light ray source.-   15. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a camera for receiving a beacon unit light signal from the UAV,        and    -   a UAV guidance controller for generating a UAV flight        instruction for landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform        according to light signal data from the camera and for sending        out the UAV flight instruction to the UAV.-   16. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a storage unit electrical power source,    -   a tethering assembly that comprises        -   a spool with a spool rotational sensor for providing a            rotational data of the spool,        -   a spool motor for selectively rotating the spool,        -   an electrical utility cable for winding and unwinding around            the spool, the electrical utility cable comprising a power            supply electrical wire for transferring electrical energy            from the storage unit electrical power source to an            electrical power source of the UAV, and        -   a cable force sensor being attached to the UAV, the cable            force sensor, the cable force sensor providing a measurement            of a force being exerted by the electrical utility cable            onto the UAV, and    -   a spool controller being adapted for energizing the spool motor        for rotating the spool according to the force measurement and to        the spool rotational data.-   17. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an external monitoring camera being directed for taking external        images of the storage unit with    -   an internal monitoring camera being directed for taking internal        images of the storage unit.-   18. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   a set of weed killer sprayers being positioned in the vicinity        of the container for preventing growth of bushes around the        container.-   19. The protection storage unit according to one of the    above-mentioned items further comprising    -   an electric fence being provided around the storage unit and        being adapted for preventing animals from accessing the storage        unit.

[Item List 11, UAV Module]

-   1. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) module comprising    -   a UAV that comprises at least one propeller for moving the UAV,        and an electrical power source for energizing the propeller and    -   a storage unit according to one of the above-mentioned items for        enclosing the UAV.

[Item List 12, Network of Objects]

-   1. A network of objects,    -   each object comprising a sensor and a communication device, the        communication device is provided for        -   receiving data from at least one other object and/or from            its sensor, and        -   sending the data to another object, wherein at least one            object is provided by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).            Although the above description contains much specificity,            this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the            embodiments but merely providing illustration of the            foreseeable embodiments. The above stated advantages of the            embodiments should not be construed especially as limiting            the scope of the embodiments but merely to explain possible            achievements if the described embodiments are put into            practice. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be            determined by the claims and their equivalents, rather than            by the examples given.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1, 1′, 1″ UAV protection storage device    -   2, 2′, 2″ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle    -   4, 4′, 4″ UAV battery    -   5 solar cell circuit    -   6, 6′, 6″ fuel cell    -   7 electrical resistor    -   8, 8′ diode    -   10, 10′ enclosure box    -   11, 11′, 11″ first sliding cover    -   12, 12′, 12″ second sliding cover    -   14, 14′, 14″ weather sensor    -   15, 15, 15″ external movement sensor    -   16, 16′, 16″ first solar cell unit    -   17, 17′, 17″ second solar cell unit    -   20, 20′ scissor lift assembly    -   30, 30″ UAV platform    -   30 a landing platform    -   30 a-1 slot    -   31, 31″ beacon unit    -   32, 32″ wireless charging unit    -   34 solar cell circuit    -   40, 40′, 40″ vibration sensor and mercury switch assembly    -   50, 50′, 50″ central control unit    -   60, 60′, 60″ electrical energy storage    -   62 single-pole, single-throw switch    -   63 double-pole, single-throw switch    -   70, 70′, 70″ communication unit    -   71, 71′, 71″ GPS tracker unit    -   72 a parcel    -   72 b parcel    -   72 c parcel    -   72 d parcel    -   72 e parcel    -   80″ cable spool    -   81″ shielded electrical supply line    -   113 movable middle cover    -   118 enclosure lower compartment    -   119 enclosure upper compartment    -   120 a first scissor lift assembly    -   120 b second scissor lift assembly    -   121 enclosure compartment divider    -   122 a first opening    -   122 b second opening    -   123 lower first conveyor    -   124 lower second conveyor    -   125 upper first conveyor    -   126 upper second conveyor    -   127 inter-conveyor parcel manipulator    -   128 a first conveyor-to-UAV parcel manipulator    -   128 b second conveyor-to-UAV parcel manipulator    -   130 UAV platform    -   131 beacon unit    -   132 wireless charging unit    -   133 aperture    -   200 UAV assembly    -   201 UAV protection storage device    -   202 UAV    -   204 battery    -   215 tethering assembly    -   222 rotor motor    -   230 UAV force sensor    -   240 storage device cable spool assembly    -   250 central control unit    -   260 electrical energy storage    -   270 wind sensor    -   280 cable    -   300 cable spool    -   305 spool motor    -   310 spool rotational sensor    -   320 spool bracket    -   325 spool force sensor    -   330 mounting plate    -   350 force sensor    -   360 strain gauge    -   370 metal plate    -   380 force attachment area    -   400 beacon unit    -   410 light module    -   420 camera module    -   430 infrared light source    -   440 visible light source    -   455 cover plate    -   460 opening    -   470 infrared camera    -   480 visible light camera    -   500 graph    -   550 light pattern    -   560 UAV alignment unit    -   563 a alignment plate    -   563 b alignment plate    -   565 a sliding mechanism    -   565 b sliding mechanism    -   567 a alignment plate    -   567 b alignment plate    -   569 a sliding mechanism    -   569 b sliding mechanism    -   572 UAV alignment unit    -   574 inclined outer wall    -   576 landing pad    -   580 UAV alignment unit    -   582 moveable outer wall    -   584 landing pad    -   590 UAV position detector unit    -   592 landing platform    -   595 weight sensor    -   600 cover    -   602 enclosure box    -   604 first UAV 594    -   606 second UAV 596    -   607 opening    -   610 cover    -   612 rotatable lid    -   614 covering part    -   616 side part    -   620 cover    -   622 movable lid    -   624 horizontal part    -   626 vertical part    -   630 surveillance cameras    -   632 UAV protection storage device    -   635 external camera    -   637 internal camera    -   640 weed killer sprayer    -   642 UAV protection storage device    -   650 electric fence    -   655 UAV protection storage device    -   660 network    -   662 computer server    -   662 terminal    -   664 cloud connection    -   667 wearable device    -   667S sensor    -   669 fixed Internet device    -   669S sensor    -   670 UAV assembly    -   672 UAV protection storage device    -   674 UAV    -   674S sensor    -   700 UAV storage box    -   700 a UAV storage box    -   710 communication module    -   710 a communication module    -   711 container    -   712 inclined lid    -   715 solar panel    -   718 weather sensor    -   721 antenna    -   723 controller unit    -   727 modem unit    -   730 UAV hangar modules    -   730 a UAV hangar modules    -   730 b UAV hangar modules    -   731 beacon unit    -   735 battery pack    -   740 container    -   740 a container    -   740 b container    -   741 fixed side panel    -   742 movable side panel    -   742 b movable side panel    -   745 magnetic lock    -   747 magnets    -   749 armature plate    -   760 power storage module    -   760 a power storage module    -   762 power storage container    -   762 a power storage container    -   765 battery unit    -   766 data or power connectors    -   766 a data or power connectors    -   768 fuel cell unit    -   770 extension and retraction mechanism    -   771 fuel tank    -   773 movable slide rail actuator    -   775 rotary actuator    -   778 first elongated arm    -   779 second elongated arm    -   782 first telescopic slide rail    -   784 rail member    -   786 rail member    -   788 rail member    -   790 UAV landing platform    -   790 b UAV landing platform    -   792 first landing unit    -   795 landing surface    -   796 landing surface    -   882 second telescopic slide rail    -   892 second landing unit    -   895 landing surface    -   896 landing surface    -   900 landing and docking system    -   903 UAV landing platform    -   908 UAV    -   911 receptacle    -   911-1 receptacle    -   911-2 receptacle    -   913 a trapezium plate    -   913 a-1 trapezium plate    -   913 a-2 trapezium plate    -   913 b trapezium plate    -   913 b-1 trapezium plate    -   913 b-2 trapezium plate    -   913 c trapezium plate    -   913 c-1 trapezium plate    -   913 c-2 trapezium plate    -   913 d trapezium plate    -   913 d-1 trapezium plate    -   913 d-2 trapezium plate    -   915 supporting stand    -   917 arm    -   906 leg    -   920 electrical power connector    -   921 polarity control circuit    -   922 electrical power pin    -   925-1 UAV landing platform    -   930 landing system    -   931 UAV    -   932 UAV protection storage device    -   933 ground flight transmitter    -   936 UAV flight receiver    -   938 flight controller    -   940 wind speed sensor    -   942 wind direction sensor    -   944 camera    -   946 flight instruction transmitter    -   950 wireless UAV flight instruction receiver    -   951 beacon unit    -   952 UAV controller

1. A storage unit for an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), the storage unitcomprising a container for enclosing the UAV; and a moveable UAV landingplatform, the UAV landing platform providing a landing position and astoring position, wherein, in the landing position, the UAV landingplatform is positioned for the UAV to land and to takeoff, and in thestoring position, the UAV landing platform is positioned inside thecontainer.
 2. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein, in thelanding position, the UAV landing platform does not block a downwardthrust of the UAV, and wherein the UAV landing platform is positioned ata predetermined height, which prevents a ground from affecting thedownward thrust of the UAV.
 3. The storage unit according to claim 2,wherein the UAV landing platform defines at least one opening configuredto allow an airflow of the downward thrust to pass through the UAVlanding platform.
 4. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein theUAV landing platform further comprises at least a pair of landingsurfaces.
 5. The storage unit according to claim 4, wherein the landingsurfaces comprise portions for contacting the landing UAV and forguiding the landing UAV to a predetermined landing position.
 6. Thestorage unit according to claim 4, wherein the landing surfaces furthercomprises an electrical charging element for charging a battery of theUAV.
 7. The storage unit according to claim 1, further comprising amechanism for moving the UAV landing platform.
 8. The storage unitaccording to claim 1, further comprising a further container that storesa communication module.
 9. The storage unit according to claim 8,wherein the container, which stores the communication module, is placedabove the container that stores the UAV.
 10. The storage unit accordingto claim 1, further comprising another container that stores anelectrical energy storage module.
 11. The storage unit according toclaim 10, wherein the container that stores the electrical energystorage module is placed below the container that stores the UAV. 12.The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the UAV landing platformin the landing position is elevated above the UAV landing platform inthe storing position.
 13. The storage unit according to claim 1,wherein, in the landing position, the UAV landing platform is positionedat least partially outside of the container.
 14. The storage unitaccording to claim 1, further comprising a UAV landing platformextension mechanism configurable in a retraction state and an extensionstate, and wherein, in the retraction state, the UAV landing platform isin the storing position, and in the extension state, the UAV landingplatform is in the landing position.
 15. The storage unit according toclaim 14, wherein the UAV landing platform extension mechanism comprisesa telescopic slide rail coupled to the UAV landing platform, andwherein, in the extension state, the telescopic slide rail is extendedto move the UAV landing platform away from the container.
 16. Thestorage unit according to claim 15, wherein the telescopic slide railcomprises a fixed first rail member and a displaceable second railmember.
 17. The storage unit according to claim 16, wherein thetelescopic slide rail further comprises a displaceable third railmember.
 18. A method of operating a storage unit for an Unmanned AirVehicle (UAV), the method comprising: providing the storage unitcomprising a container for enclosing the UAV and a movable UAV landingplatform; orienting the UAV landing platform in a landing position;landing the UAV on the UAV landing platform; and orienting the UAVlanding platform in a storing position, wherein, in the storingposition, the UAV and the UAV landing platform are positioned inside thecontainer.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the storage unit furthercomprises a UAV landing platform extension mechanism, and whereinorienting the UAV landing platform in a landing position comprisesextending a telescopic slide rail of the UAV landing platform extensionmechanism to move the UAV landing platform away from the container. 20.The method of claim 18, wherein landing the UAV on the UAV landingplatform comprises guiding the UAV to a predetermined UAV landingposition on the UAV landing platform with an inclined landing portion ofa landing surface of the UAV landing platform.